Both, Either and Neither
Two options. Make your meaning clear.
By the end: Say whether two options are suitable, whether one or the other is acceptable, or whether neither works.
Tutor guide: Let the learner try first. Use the short follow-up questions and ask them to explain one quiz choice. Extra discussion is optional.
The quick answer
Use both to include two: Both dates work. Use either for one or the other in a two-option choice: Either date works. Use neither to exclude both: Neither date works. The linked patterns are both…and, either…or and neither…nor.
Your friend suggests Tuesday or Thursday for a study session. Both may be free, either may be acceptable for one session, or neither may suit you. A small word can change the whole arrangement.
On your own: Read each explanation, answer the short speaking prompt aloud (or write if needed), then reveal the model and improve your answer. Finish with the quiz and final task.
The extra-detail panels are optional. Keep the main route to about 17 minutes; take longer if the discussion is useful.
1. Include two, accept an alternative or exclude two
| Meaning | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The two dates work | both + plural noun | Both dates work for me. |
| One or the other is acceptable | either + singular noun | Either date works for me. Choose one. |
| The two dates do not work | neither + singular noun | Neither date works for me. |
Both dates work says each is suitable; it does not automatically arrange two meetings. Either date works offers flexibility for choosing one. Neither date works means you need another option.
Make partial negatives clear: “Not both rooms have windows” means at least one lacks a window. It does not mean neither room has a window. If only one has a window, say that directly.
2. Choose the noun, of phrase and verb
With nouns
Both rooms are available.
Either room is suitable.
Neither room is expensive.
Use a plural noun after both and a singular noun after either or neither in these patterns.
With of
Both of them are quiet.
Either of the rooms is suitable.
Neither of us is free.
Use of before an object pronoun such as us or them. With either or neither, also use of before a determiner plus plural noun.
Everyday speech and careful writing
You will hear Neither of us are free in conversation. Singular agreement, neither of us is, is the usual choice in careful formal writing. Both takes plural agreement. Both the rooms and both of the rooms are both possible.
3. Join alternatives and handle negatives
| Meaning | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Include the two items | both A and B | We need both a screen and a speaker. |
| Offer alternatives | either A or B | We can meet either online or at the library. |
| Exclude the alternatives | neither A nor B | The room has neither heating nor air conditioning. |
| A negative with either | not…either | I can’t attend either session. |
Keep the linked items parallel: a noun with a noun, or a phrase with a phrase. Neither already expresses the negative in standard English. Say I want neither option or I don’t want either option.
Either after a negative can mean “also not”
“I’m not free on Tuesday.” “I’m not free either.” Here either adds a second negative statement. Another response is Neither am I, with the auxiliary before the subject. This differs from choosing between two named dates.
Repair two messages
Say or write a corrected version first. Then open the explanation.
1. “Either rooms is fine for our meeting.”
Show the correction and reason
Either room is fine for our meeting.
Use a singular noun after either in this pattern. Alternatively: Either of the rooms is fine.
2. “I don’t want neither option.”
Show the correction and reason
I don’t want either option.
In standard English, the negative verb goes with either. Another version is: I want neither option.
Mastery quiz: eight exercises with answers
Choose one best answer for each situation. Work without the table first, then check your answers. Each choice has its own explanation.
Answer key with explanations
Either date works. Choose one. Either offers one or the other as acceptable for the meeting.
Both rooms are quiet. Both goes with the plural rooms and the verb are.
I can’t attend either session. A negative verb with either excludes the two named options.
Neither of us is available. Singular is is the usual careful written agreement after neither of us.
and Both…and includes the two required items.
At least one room does not have a window. Not both denies that the statement is true of the two together. It allows one or neither to have windows.
Both of them are ready. Both of them has the correct of phrase and plural agreement.
It has no heating and no air conditioning. The sentence denies the presence of each of the two facilities.
This checks your understanding of this lesson. It does not assign an overall English level.
Use it without the model
Plan a study session in 45 seconds. Offer two possible locations with either…or, name two things you need with both…and, then reject two unsuitable times with neither…nor.
Compare a possible response
We can meet either online or at the library. I need both my notes and a dictionary. Neither Monday nor Wednesday works for me, so let’s try Friday.
Self-check: Check that the alternatives are parallel. Use and with both, or with either and nor with neither. Keep the final plan consistent.
If a choice still feels uncertain, revisit the explanation and try a new example.