Either vs. Neither — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 23, 2023
"Either" refers to one of two options while "Neither" negates both of the two options, indicating not one nor the other.
Difference Between Either and Neither
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When discussing preferences or inclinations, "Either" might convey a lack of preference for one over the other, as in "I'm fine with either option." Conversely, "Neither" expresses a lack of inclination towards both, such as "Neither movie interests me."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
In statements, "Either" can introduce alternatives, as in "You can take either the red or the blue pill." "Neither," on the other hand, would be used to reject both options, as in "Neither the red nor the blue pill will cure the ailment."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Grammatically, "Either" can pair with "or," suggesting a choice. For instance, "Either work hard, or you'll fail." In contrast, "Neither" pairs with "nor" to indicate the exclusion of both choices, like "Neither the first nor the second option appeals to me."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Both "Either" and "Neither" help in contrasting two items or choices. However, while "Either" leans towards inclusion or acceptance of one, "Neither" leans towards exclusion or rejection of both.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
"Either" and "Neither" are both used when discussing two choices, but they function differently. "Either" indicates one or the other of two options, while "Neither" denotes the absence or negation of both options.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Preference Indication
Might indicate lack of preference
Indicates lack of inclination for both
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
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Definitions
Either
Used to emphasize similarity or sameness.
She looks like her mother; I could say the same for either sibling.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Neither
Used to introduce a further negative statement.
He doesn't eat meat, and neither do I.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Either
Indicating an inevitable result regardless of circumstance.
Either you leave now, or you'll miss the bus.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Neither
Used to negate both of two options or choices.
It's neither too big nor too small.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Neither
Expressing the negative response of two negative statements.
He neither smiled nor frowned.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Either
Used before the first of two (or occasionally more) given alternatives (the other being introduced by ‘or’)
Either I accompany you to your room or I wait here
Available in either black or white
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Used to indicate a similarity or link with a statement just made
It won't do any harm, but won't really help either
You don't like him, do you? I don't either
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Not the one nor the other of two people or things; not either
Neither side of the brain is dominant over the other
Neither of us believes it
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Used before the first of two (or occasionally more) given alternatives (the other being introduced by ‘or’)
Available in either black or white
Either I accompany you to your room or I wait here
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Not the one nor the other of two people or things; not either
Neither side of the brain is dominant over the other
Neither of us believes it
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Used to indicate a similarity or link with a statement just made
It won't do any harm, but won't really help either
You don't like him, do you? I don't either
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Used before the first of two (or occasionally more) alternatives (the others being introduced by ‘nor’) to indicate that they are each untrue or each does not happen
I am neither a liberal nor a conservative
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
One or the other of two people or things
There were no children of either marriage
Their mortgage will be repaid if either of them dies
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Used to introduce a further negative statement
He didn't remember, and neither did I
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
One or the other of two people or things
Their mortgage will be repaid if either of them dies
There were no children of either marriage
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Used before the first of two or more coordinates or clauses linked by or
Either we go now or we remain here forever.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Not either; not in either case. Used with the correlative conjunction nor
Neither we nor they want it. She neither called nor wrote. I got neither the gift nor the card.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Likewise; also. Used as an intensive following negative statements
If you don't order a dessert, I won't either.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Each of two; both.
There is a locomotive at either end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Not either one of two.
I’ve tried on both shirts, but neither fits properly.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Similarly not.
Just as you would not correct it, neither would I.
Neither can she stop him, nor can he stop her.
Neither now, nor ever will he forsake his mother.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
One or the other of two people or things.
He made me two offers, but I did not accept either.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Not either; not the one or the other.
Which of them shall I take?Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoyed,If both remain alive.
He neither loves,Nor either cares for him.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Not either; generally used to introduce the first of two or more coördinate clauses of which those that follow begin with nor.
Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king.
Hadst thou been firm and fixed in thy dissent,Neither had I transgressed, nor thou with me.
When she put it on, she made me vowThat I should neither sell, nor give, nor lose it.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
As well.
I don't like him, and I don't like her either.
I know a cheap Spanish restaurant. It's not far from here, either.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
After a negative statement used to indicate that the next statement is similarly negative;
I was not happy and neither were they
Just as you would not complain, neither should he
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Introduces the first of two (or occasionally more) options or possibilities, the second (or last) of which is introduced by “or”.
Either you eat your dinner or you go to your room.
You can have either potatoes or rice with that, but not both.
You'll be either early, late, or on time.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Neither
Not either, as of persons or things specified.
Neither John nor Mary is at home.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Either
One of two; the one or the other; - properly used of two things, but sometimes of a larger number, for any one.
Lepidus flatters both,Of both is flattered; but he neither loves,Nor either cares for him.
Scarce a palm of ground could be gotten by either of the three.
There have been three talkers in Great British, either of whom would illustrate what I say about dogmatists.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Each of two; the one and the other; both; - formerly, also, each of any number.
His flowing hairIn curls on either cheek played.
On either side . . . was there the tree of life.
The extreme right and left of either army never engaged.
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Either precedes two, or more, coördinate words or phrases, and is introductory to an alternative. It is correlative to or.
Either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth.
Few writers hesitate to use either in what is called a triple alternative; such as, We must either stay where we are, proceed, or recede.
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
After a negative statement used as an intensive meaning something like `likewise' or `also';
He isn't stupid, but he isn't exactly a genius either
I don't know either
If you don't order dessert I won't either
Fiza Rafique
May 16, 2019
Either
Any one of two; used to indicate a non-specific choice.
Either option is acceptable.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
FAQs
Can "either" express a lack of strong preference?
Yes, as in "Either day works for me."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Can "either" and "neither" refer to more than two options?
Traditionally, both words refer to two options, but "either" is sometimes used informally for more than two.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
How is "either" used to show similarity?
In statements like "Either brother can help," it means both brothers are similarly capable.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
How does "neither" pair with "nor"?
It's used to negate both options, like "Neither fish nor fowl."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
How does "neither" show a lack of interest?
As in "Neither movie was interesting."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Is "neither" always negative?
Yes, it denotes the exclusion or negation of both options.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
How does "either" pair with "or"?
It presents two alternatives, like "Either this or that."
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Is "either" always about choice?
Mostly, but it can also indicate similarity or non-specificity.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
