Both, either & neither — Quantifiers
Core meanings
- both = A and B (the two): Both Jane and Mark passed.
- either = A or B (one of the two): Either date works.
- neither = not A and not B (zero of two): Neither answer is correct.
Use both with plural nouns; use either / neither with singular nouns.
With nouns (determiners)
- both + plural noun: I like both cars.
- either/neither + singular noun: Either side is fine. • Neither parent came.
- both (of) / either of / neither of + the/my/these + plural noun: Both (of) your parents are kind. • Either of those dates is perfect. • Neither of the players had a good game.
We often drop of with both before a noun: Both the students (not only both of the students).
With pronouns
- Before a verb (subject): Both of them passed. • Neither of us knows.
- After a verb (object): She invited them both. • I like neither of them.
Use of with pronouns: both them → both of them. Or move both: They both passed.
Standalone & correlative patterns
- Pronouns alone: —Coffee or tea? —Either. • —French or Spanish? —Both. • —Which car? —Neither.
- both … and …: joins two items → verb usually plural: Both Alice and Ben are coming.
- either … or … / neither … nor …: verb agrees with the nearer subject: Either the students or the teacher is late. • Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.
Agreement & polarity
- either / neither take a singular verb in standard English: Either option is fine. Neither answer is correct. (Plural is informal with neither of + plural.)
- neither is already negative — don’t add another not: Neither John nor Paula can’t come → Neither John nor Paula can come.
- After negatives, use either (= also not): I don’t like either of the pictures (= I like neither).
Common mistakes
- Both of students → Both (of the) students.
- Neither of the candidates are (B1) → prefer Neither of the candidates is.
- I don’t like both → I don’t like either / I like neither.
Mini examples
- Both my knees hurt today. (two → both)
- Either road leads to the beach. (one of two)
- Neither suggestion solves the problem. (zero of two)
- They both apologized. / Both of them apologized.
- Neither of us was ready, and I don’t want either of the shirts.
Exercises:
Both, either, neither: Quantifiers
Choose the correct forms of both, either, neither to complete the sentences.
1
Can
you or Rita pick up the kids after school?
2
of the laptops was working, so we called IT.
3
A: Are you from Spain or Italy? B:
. I’m from Portugal.
4
team can win tonight; they’re equally strong.
5
During the detox you can
drink coffee nor alcohol.
6
He showed us two routes, but we liked
them.
7
John and Sara are on holiday this week.
8
The coach said
them can start as goalkeeper.
9
We bought two paintings, but
fits on this wall — they’re too big.
10
You can choose
of those two presents. Which one do you prefer?
Both, either, neither: Quantifiers
Use both, either, neither correctly to complete the sentences.
1
You can _____ take a taxi or walk.
A.
B.
C.
2
A: Do you want tea or coffee? B: _____ is fine.
A.
B.
C.
3
We tried two solutions; _____ of them worked.
A.
B.
C.
4
The twins are very musical; _____ of them play the piano.
A.
B.
C.
5
There are two entrances; use _____ door.
A.
B.
C.
6
The museum is open on _____ Saturday and Sunday.
A.
B.
C.
7
I don’t like _____ of these shirts. (Use a negative + correct quantifier.)
A.
B.
C.
8
_____ of the explanations was clear, so we were confused.
A.
B.
C.
9
We spoke to two managers and _____ offered to help.
A.
B.
C.
10
I have been to _____ Paris nor Rome.
A.
B.
C.
Both, either, neither: Quantifiers
Write both/either/neither. Use of where necessary.
1
We’ll arrive on Friday night or Saturday morning.
2
the headsets work with this phone.
3
Tom and Kev were at the concert, but I didn’t see them.
4
I’ve got the time nor the energy to go hiking.
5
A: Do you want tea or coffee? B: is fine.
6
We’ve got two teenagers, but them enjoys getting up early.
7
Being a parent is something that partners share.
8
You can’t wear those jackets. They’re too small.
9
You can borrow these books. Choose the one you prefer.
10
Fortunately, the drivers was injured in the incident.