Either vs. Ither — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 10, 2023
The correct spelling is "Either," often used to indicate one or the other of two choices. "Ither" is an incorrect spelling.
Which is correct: Either or Ither
How to spell Either?
Either
Correct Spelling
Ither
Incorrect Spelling
Difference Between Either and Ither
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Remember "Either" starts with "E," just like "Either/Or," which is a common phrase.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
Link it to "neither," which is its antonym and also starts with a vowel.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
Recall that "either" has two vowels at the beginning ("e" and "i") while "ither" is missing one.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
Associate the word "Either" with "Either/Or," where "Or" also starts with a vowel.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
Use the acronym E.I.T.H.E.R: "Each Individual Thinks He's Extremely Right," to remember the spelling.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
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Definitions
Either
Used to indicate one or the other of two options.
You can have either coffee or tea.
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Sep 10, 2023
Either
Used to indicate both when referring to two choices.
There are trees on either side of the river.
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Sep 10, 2023
Either
Used to introduce a synonymous clause.
He's either coming today or he isn't.
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Sep 10, 2023
Either
Used in a negative construction to indicate neither of two options.
He doesn't like either option.
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Sep 10, 2023
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Either
Used to qualify a statement by saying it can also be said in reverse.
Either way, you're correct.
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Sep 10, 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
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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
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Either
Used before the first of two or more coordinates or clauses linked by or
Either we go now or we remain here forever.
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Either
Likewise; also. Used as an intensive following negative statements
If you don't order a dessert, I won't either.
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Either
Each of two; both.
There is a locomotive at either end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.
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Either
One or the other of two people or things.
He made me two offers, but I did not accept either.
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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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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?
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 11, 2018
FAQs
Why is it called Either?
The term "either" comes from Old English and is used to indicate one or the other among two.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
Which vowel is used before Either?
Generally, no specific vowel precedes it.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
What is the root word of Either?
The root comes from Old English "ǣgther, āwther."
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Sep 10, 2023
Is the word “Either” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Neither, as it is not a noun.
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Sep 10, 2023
How is Either used in a sentence?
"You can either stay or go, the choice is yours."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
What is a stressed syllable in Either?
Depends on pronunciation, either "Ei" or "ther."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 10, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written 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.
Co-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.
