Both - Negative

We don’t use both in negative structures. Instead, we normally use Neither.

• We don’t say: Both of them are not ready (incorrect)

• We say: Neither of them are ready (correct)

Neither

Neither = not one and not the other Neither is a negative word and is accompanied by an affirmative singular verb.

Neither X nor y

Neither … nor … is used as a conjunction. It is the opposite of “Both … and …” If a verb comes after this phrase, that verb is in the singular form (Sometimes you will hear it used in the plural form though it is not grammatically correct)

• Neither John nor Fred likes doing the dishes. (= “Both John and Fred don’t like doing the dishes”)

• I want neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt.

• I neither smoke nor drink.

Neither + singular noun

Neither is used as a determiner before a single noun.

• Neither team wanted to lose.

• That tennis game was very close. Neither player had a clear advantage.

• Neither parent knew about the accident.

Neither of + determiner + plural noun

You can use Neither of before a determiner (my, his, these, the etc.) and a plural noun.

• Neither of my friends came to class today.

• Neither of the parents understood what the baby was trying to say.

• Neither of our cars has enough petrol so we have to take the bus.

Neither of + Pronoun

When using Neither + of + pronoun (you, us, them), we need the preposition OF before that pronoun. (If a verb comes after this phrase then it is in singular form)

• The present is for neither of us.

• Neither of them is married.

• Neither of us expected to be fired.

Neither in short responses

Neither is frequently used as part of a short response when someone says something negative and you agree with them.

• A: I have never been to Switzerland

• B: Neither have I.

• A: I don’t want to go.

• B: Neither do I.

Neither can also be used alone.

• A: Would you like a blue tie or a green tie?

• B: Neither. (= Neither tie)

Neither vs. Either

You can use Either with a negative verb to replace Neither with a positive verb

• I have neither time nor money

• I don’t have either time or money.

EITHER

Either = any one of the two = this one or the other one Either is accompanied by an affirmative singular verb and is mostly used in questions or negative sentences

Either X or Y

Either … or … is used as a conjunction. It is used to express alternatives and or a choice between two (and sometimes more) things. It is used a verb in singular form (Sometimes you will hear it used in the plural form though it is not grammatically correct).

• Either you or John has to finish the report before 5pm.

• You can have either the red shirt or the blue shirt. (= but not both)

• Either you leave the building now or I call the security guards.

Either + singular noun

Either is used as a determiner before a single noun.

• There are only two options and I’m not interested in either film.

• A: Do you want it ready for Thursday or Friday? B: Either day is fine for me.

Either of + determiner + plural noun

You can use Either of before a determiner (my, his, these, the etc.) and a plural noun.

• We’ve been dating for 6 months and I haven’t met either of her parents.

• I haven’t read either of these books.

• I don’t want either of those apples. Do you have one that is not rotten?

Either + of + Pronoun

When using Either + of + object pronoun (you, us, them), we need the preposition OF before that pronoun.

• I don’t think he is going to invite either of us.

• A: Which photo do you prefer? B: I don’t like either of them

• I think I left my keys and wallet at the office. I don’t want to lose either of them.

Either can also be used alone. It means it doesn’t matter which alternative. Sometimes it is accompanied by the pronoun “one”.

• A: Would you like a coffee or a tea?

• B: Either (one). (= I don’t mind if it’s coffee or tea, both alternatives are fine)