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  4. Both / Either / Neither
Parts of Speech & Usage

Both / Either / Neither

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Both, either, and neither are used to talk about two things or people. The difference is about meaning: positive, choice, or negative.

1. Both → the two (positive)

Use both to refer to two items together.

  • Both options are good.
  • I like both of them.
  • Both of my parents work.

Important: “both” is plural → use a plural verb.

  • Both students are ready.

2. Either → one or the other (choice)

Use either when there is a choice between two options.

  • You can choose either option.
  • Either answer is correct.

Important: “either” is singular → use a singular verb.

  • Either option is fine.

3. Neither → not one, not the other (negative)

Use neither to say that none of the two options is true.

  • Neither answer is correct.
  • I like neither of them.

Important: “neither” is singular → use a singular verb.

  • Neither option is good.

4. “Both of / Either of / Neither of”

  • Both of the students are here.
  • Either of the answers is correct.
  • Neither of the options is good.

5. Common mistake

  • ❌ Both is correct.
  • ✔️ Both are correct.

Key idea

  • Both = the two
  • Either = one of the two
  • Neither = zero (none of the two)

💡 Tip

  • Both → 2
  • Either → 1 (choice)
  • Neither → 0

Test your knowledge 📝

Question 1 sur 10Score: 0/10

___ options are correct.

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