Both / Either / Neither

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)