Both, Either, Neither in English: Meaning, Grammar and Examples

Both, either, neither are common English words that we use when we are talking about two people, two things or two choices.

They may look simple, but they often confuse English learners because they are used in different structures:

• both hands
• either answer
• neither option
• both of them
• either of the two roads
• neither of my friends
• both…and
• either…or
• neither…nor

In this lesson, you will learn how to use both, either, neither correctly, with clear meanings, examples and common mistakes.

The Basic Difference Between Both, Either, Neither

Let’s start with the main meaning of each word.

both	two people or things together	Both brothers are doctors.
either	one of two choices	You can take either road.
neither	not one and not the other	Neither answer is correct.

Compare:

Both restaurants are good.

= Restaurant A is good and Restaurant B is good.

Either restaurant is fine.

= Restaurant A is fine or Restaurant B is fine. I do not mind which one.

Neither restaurant is open.

= Restaurant A is not open and Restaurant B is not open.

How to Use Both

Both + Plural Noun

We use both with a plural noun when we mean two people or things together.

Examples:

• Both brothers had brown hair.
• Both children were tired after the journey.
• Both answers are possible.
• She held the cup with both hands.
• Both films were based on true stories.

Notice that both is followed by a plural noun:

• both brothers
• both children
• both answers
• both hands
• both films

Both of + Object Pronoun

We use both of before object pronouns such as:

• me
• you
• us
• them

Examples:

• Both of them were excellent swimmers.
• They invited both of us to the wedding.
• I spoke to both of you yesterday.
• The teacher congratulated both of them.

You can also say:

• They both came to the party.
• We both enjoyed the lesson.
• You both did very well.

Both of + Determiner + Plural Noun

We can also use both of before:

• the
• these
• those
• my
• your
• his
• her
• our
• their

Examples:

• Both of the students passed the exam.
• Both of my sisters live abroad.
• Both of these answers are correct.
• Both of their children speak English.

In modern English, we can often use both without of:

• Both my sisters live abroad.
• Both these answers are correct.
• Both the students passed the exam.
• Both forms are correct, but both my sisters is usually more natural than both of my sisters.

Both…and…

We use both…and… to connect two things, people or ideas of equal importance.

Examples:

• She speaks both English and German.
• The course is both useful and enjoyable.
• He is both intelligent and hardworking.
• The hotel is both comfortable and affordable.
• This lesson is useful for both B2 First and C1 Advanced learners.

This structure is useful when you want to emphasise that two things are true at the same time.

Position of Both in a Sentence

Both can appear in different positions.

Before a noun:

• Both students were late.

After the subject:

• They both agreed with the idea.

After the verb be:

• They are both from Spain.

After the first auxiliary verb:

• They have both finished the task.
• We can both help you.
• They will both attend the meeting.

How to Use Either

Either + Singular Noun

We use either with a singular countable noun when we mean one of two choices.

Examples:

• You can take either road.
• Either answer is acceptable.
• Either dress would look nice on you.
• You can sit on either side of the table.
• Either candidate could win the election.

Here, either means one or the other.

Either of + Determiner + Plural Noun

We use either of before:

• the
• these
• those
• my
• your
• his
• her
• our
• their

The noun after it is plural, but the meaning is still one of two.

Examples:

• Either of the answers is acceptable.
• You can use either of these methods.
• I haven’t read either of those books.
• There is no simple answer to either of your questions.
• In formal English, we usually use a singular verb after either of:
• Either of the answers is correct.

In everyday spoken English, you may sometimes hear a plural verb, but the singular verb is safer in exams and formal writing.

Either of + Object Pronoun

We can use either of before object pronouns such as us, you and them.

Examples:

• Either of you can answer the question.
• I don’t think either of them is ready.
• Either of us could help you with the project.

Either…or…

We use either…or… to connect two choices.

Examples:

• You can either stay here or come with us.
• We can either go by train or take the bus.
• She is either very busy or she has forgotten about the meeting.
• You should either apologise or explain what happened.

This structure is very useful when talking about options.

Either in Negative Sentences

We also use either at the end of a negative sentence to mean also not.

Examples:

• I don’t like horror films.
• I don’t like them either.
• She wasn’t invited.
• Her brother wasn’t invited either.
• I can’t speak Italian.
• I can’t speak Spanish either.

This is different from either meaning “one of two choices”.

Compare:

You can choose either option.

= You can choose option A or option B.

I don’t like either option.

= I don’t like option A and I don’t like option B.

How to Use Neither

Neither + Singular Noun

We use neither with a singular countable noun when we mean not one and not the other.

Examples:

• Neither answer is correct.
• Neither student knew the answer.
• Neither option seems practical.
• Neither dress fits me properly.
• Neither team played well.

Although we are talking about two things, the noun after neither is singular:

• neither answer
• neither student
• neither option
• neither dress
• neither team

Neither of + Determiner + Plural Noun

We use neither of before:

• the
• these
• those
• my
• your
• his
• her
• our
• their

Examples:

• Neither of the answers is correct.
• Neither of my brothers lives nearby.
• Neither of these options seems suitable.
• Neither of their children wanted to leave.

In formal English, we usually use a singular verb:

• Neither of my sisters has blonde hair.
• Neither of the answers is correct.
• In everyday spoken English, plural verbs are also common:
• Neither of my sisters have blonde hair.
• Neither of us enjoy swimming.

For exams and formal writing, the singular verb is usually the safer choice.

Neither of + Object Pronoun

We use neither of before object pronouns such as us, you and them.

Examples:

• Neither of them wanted to speak first.
• Neither of us knew the answer.
• Neither of you has completed the form.
• Again, a singular verb is more formal:
• Neither of us knows the answer.

But in spoken English, you will often hear:

• Neither of us know the answer.

Neither…nor…

We use neither…nor… to connect two negative ideas.

Examples:

• Neither Jack nor Tom could answer the question.
• She speaks neither French nor German.
• The film was neither interesting nor original.
• Neither the hotel nor the restaurant was open.
• He was neither angry nor disappointed.

This structure is more formal than simply saying:

• She doesn’t speak French or German.

But it is very useful in writing, especially at B2 and C1 level.

Neither Do I / Neither Am I / Neither Have I

We use neither + auxiliary verb + subject to agree with a negative statement.

Examples:

• I don’t like horror films.
• Neither do I.
• She isn’t ready.
• Neither am I.
• They haven’t finished.
• Neither have we.
• He can’t drive.
• Neither can his brother.

This means: I also don’t.

You can also use nor in the same way, but it sounds more formal:

• I don’t like horror films.
• Nor do I.

Both, Either and Neither: More Examples

Talking About People

• Both of my parents are teachers.
• Either of the two candidates could get the job.
• Neither of my cousins lives in London.

Talking About Places

• Both cities are beautiful.
• You can stay in either hotel.
• Neither restaurant is open on Mondays.

Talking About Opinions

• Both ideas are interesting.
• Either solution could work.
• Neither suggestion is realistic.

Talking about Exams

• Both answers are grammatically correct.
• Either sentence could be used in this context.
• Neither option fits the meaning of the text.

Common Mistakes with Both, Either and Neither

1. Using a Singular Noun After Both

Don’t say:

Both student passed the exam.

Say:

Both students passed the exam.

Both is followed by a plural noun.

2. Using a Plural Noun Directly After Either

Don’t say:

Either roads are fine.

Say:

Either road is fine.

Or:

Either of the roads is fine.

3. Using a Plural Noun Directly After Neither

Don’t say:

Neither answers are correct.

Say:

Neither answer is correct.

Or:

Neither of the answers is correct.

4. Using a Double Negative with Neither

Don’t say:

I don’t like neither option.

Say:

I don’t like either option.

Or:

I like neither option.

Remember:

I don’t like either option.

= correct

I like neither option.

= correct

I don’t like neither option.

= incorrect in standard English

5. Confusing Both…and, Either…or and Neither…nor

Compare:

Both Anna and Mark came to the meeting.

= Anna came and Mark came.

Either Anna or Mark will call you.

= One of them will call you.

Neither Anna nor Mark came to the meeting.

= Anna did not come and Mark did not come.

Quick Grammar Summary

both + plural noun	Both answers are correct.
both of + object pronoun	Both of them are students.
both…and…	She is both kind and patient.
either + singular noun	Either answer is possible.
either of + plural noun/pronoun	Either of the answers is possible.
either…or…	You can either stay or leave.
neither + singular noun	Neither answer is correct.
neither of + plural noun/pronoun	Neither of the answers is correct.
neither…nor…	Neither Jack nor Emma agreed.

Practice Exercise

Choose both, either or neither.

1. _______ of my brothers lives in London. They both live abroad.
2. You can take _______ bus. They both go to the city centre.
3. _______ answers are correct, so you can choose the one you prefer.
4. I don’t like this jacket, and I don’t like that one _______.
5. _______ Sarah nor Emily was at the meeting.
6. The course is _______ practical and enjoyable.
7. _______ of the two restaurants is open today.
8. You can _______ call me or send me an email.
9. _______ students passed the exam with excellent marks.
10. I haven’t seen _______ of those films.

Answer Key: 1. Neither, 2. either, 3. Both, 4. either, 5. Neither, 6. both, 7. Neither, 8. either, 9. Both, 10, either

Final Thoughts

Both, either, neither are useful words when you are talking about two people, two things or two choices.

Use both when two things are true together:

Both answers are correct.

Use either when one of two choices is possible:

Either answer is correct.

Use neither when two things are not true:

Neither answer is correct.

Once you understand this basic difference, the grammar becomes much easier. The key is to remember the patterns:

• both + plural noun
• either + singular noun
• neither + singular noun
• both…and
• either…or
• neither…nor

Master these patterns, and you will use both, either, neither more confidently in speaking, writing and exams.