When we talk about both, either and neither, we mean particles that offer information related to two elements in the sentence. They are useful for connecting two descriptive phrases. They also streamline and style the message. In this article we will provide you the examples of Either and neither.

These words are common in English, however, there are certain rules that we must follow to use them. In this lesson, you will learn what the “both, either and neither” particles mean and how to use them.

What does “both” mean in English and how is it used?

The meaning of the word “both” is: “both” or “both”.

It is used in affirmative sentences and comes before the noun that is in the plural. If we already know what we are referring to, then it is not necessary to mention the noun.

Examples:

• Both Jack and Jill have brown eyes.
• It is important to listen to both sides of the debate.

With the preposition “of”

It may be followed by “of”, but it is optional. Although it will be mandatory to use it when “both” is before a plural pronoun (object), that is, “us”, “you” or “them”.

Examples:

• I’ve written both (of) these songs.
• I’ve written Both of

We omit the word “of” in cases where the noun is accompanied by an article (“the”) or a possessive adjective (my, your, their…).

Examples:

• Both of the dogs are barking.  (Both / both dogs are barking.)
• Both of my cousins ​​are younger.  (My two cousins ​​are younger.)

Accompanied by a verb

We also use “both” with verbs and the position will be preceding the main verb. If it is the verb “to be”, it is placed after this.

Examples:

• They both see this movie. (Both / both like this movie.)
• They are both drinking the same. (The two / both are drinking the same.)

 “Either … and”

The use of “both” with the word “and” is common. It can be to speak of two characteristics that are related to a common element or of two elements with one or more shared characteristics.

The translation in these cases would be: “also”, “both… and”, “at the same time”.

• This laptop is both expensive and.
• Both Jack and Jill like pop music.

What does “either” mean in English and how is it used?

This particle is used in affirmative and negative sentences . In the former, its translation is “anyone” and in the latter it would be “none” . We can also use it in interrogative sentences with the meaning “some“ .

It is located before the noun in the singular , but if we know what we are referring to, then it is not essential to place the noun.

Examples:

• Either candidate would be ideal for the country.
• Which one does she want? Either .

With the preposition “of”

The word “of” is placed after “both” when we speak of a noun with a determiner, such as the, my, these … “of” is also used before a pronoun (object) .

Examples:

• You can’t eat either of these cakes.
• Do either of them know the new coach?

“Either … or”

We use “either” with the word “or” to talk about two elements :

In affirmative sentences: When we refer to a choice or alternative . The meaning is “or … or”

• We can either eat pizza now or after the movie.

In negative sentences: When there are two options, but none are given . The translation is “neither… nor”.

• We do not Have Either cigarrettes or (We have no cigarettes or fire.)

What does “neither” mean in English and how is it used?

The word neither means “none” or “neither one nor the other” and is used for sentences with an affirmative verb to say a negative sentence .

It is placed before the singular noun . However, as with the other particles of, the noun is omitted if we already know what we are talking about.

Example:

• Neither house has a cable Tv.
• Which of these movies do you prefer? Neither .

With the preposition “of”

It is accompanied by the word “of” when the plural noun carries a determiner, such as: the, my, these … Also if it goes before a plural pronoun (object) .

Example:

• Neither of my parents likes my girlfriend.
• Neither of us has read this book.

“Neither … nor”

When neither is accompanied by the word “nor”, ​​it means that of two alternatives neither is viable . The translation is “neither… nor”.

Example:

• Neither Andy nor Carla wants the soup.
• I can neither swim nor run

Other considerations on the use of “both, either and neither”

There is another important aspect when you use the particles “both, either and neither” accompanied by “and, or and nor”, respectively. In this type of sentence, the elements expressed between each particle must be of the same grammatical category . That is to say: Noun – noun, verb – verb, etc.

Example:

• We both live and study in Bogotá.
• We go to work neither by bus nor by train .

How to use “either … or” and “neither … nor”?

Both expressions are used to show that of two alternatives, neither is given . They also have the same translation. However, there is a difference. On the one hand ” either … or” is used with a negative verb , while “neither … or” with a positive verb .

Examples:

• I do not like Either swim or run
• She likes neither swim nor run .

On the other hand, both with “either… or” and with “neither… nor”, ​​the verb is expressed in the singular if there are two nouns in the singular.

• Either my brother or my sister is going to take us to the cinema.

In case one of the nouns is plural, then it is placed before the plural verb.

• Neither the taxi nor the buses have arrived yet.