How to use Either and Neither in English - Mr Duncan will help you with your English problems

Here are two words that

can cause a lot of confusion

in English.

For many reasons,

the words are ‘either’ and ‘neither’.

First of all, the word ‘either’

can be used as an adjective

to show one or the other of two.

For example,

you may sit at either

end of the table.

Also, as an adjective,

it can mean each of two,

the one and the other.

For example,

there are trees on either

side of the river.

As a pronoun,

the word e that can be used

to describe a choice

using two objects.

For example,

there are two roads into the town

and you can take either.

Either will do.

As an adverb either can refer to expressing

as well, to the same degree,

normally used after negative clauses,

coordinated by ‘and’ or, ‘nor’,

or after negative subordinate clauses.

For example,

he’s not fond of parties,

and I'm not either.

If you don't come,

she won't come either.

Then we have the word

‘neither’, which, as a conjunction

means ‘not either’

as of persons or things specified,

usually followed by ‘nor’.

For example,

Neither John nor Betty is at home.

We can use it to express

‘no’ or ‘no more’.

For example, Bob can't go and neither can I.

if she doesn't want it.

Neither do I.

As an adjective,

‘neither’ means not one

or the other.

For example,

neither statement is true,

which means both are untrue.

As a pronoun,

neither means ‘not either’.

Not one person or the other.

Not one thing or the other.

For example,

neither of the suggestions will do.

Neither is to be trusted.

There is another confusion

that arises when looking at ‘either’ and ‘neither’

which relates to the pronunciation

of these words.

In American English,

the pronunciation is different.

Either is pronounced either, (ahy-ther)

while neither is pronounced neither. (nahy-ther)

Meanwhile, in British English

both forms of the pronunciation

are acceptable.

In other words,

you don't have to worry

about the way

in which you say those words,

as both are acceptable.

Or should I say

‘either are acceptable’.

You can use one or the other.