Both, Either, Neither;
Each, Every
Both dishes are tasty and neither is cheap — master determiners for pairs and groups. Learn the rules, then practise.
Show rules
both / either / neither
All three talk about two things:
- both = the two together (positive) → plural verb: Both restaurants are good.
- either = one or the other → singular verb: Either bus works.
- neither = not one and not the other (negative) → singular verb: Neither answer is correct.
both of / either of / neither of need a determiner: ✅ both of the students, neither of them — ❌ both of students.
both...and / either...or / neither...nor
These paired conjunctions link two parallel parts:
- both ... and: She speaks both French and German.
- either ... or: We can either walk or take the bus.
- neither ... nor: He neither called nor texted.
Watch out: neither pairs with nor, never or — ❌ neither drinks or smokes → ✅ neither drinks nor smokes.
No double negative
neither already means "not", so don't add a second negative:
- ✅ Neither of them wants to go. — ❌ Neither of them doesn't want to go.
- ✅ I don't like either option. — ❌ I don't like neither option.
Negative agreement — Neither do I / I don't either
To agree with a negative statement:
- Neither / Nor + auxiliary + subject (inversion): "I don't like it." — "Neither do I."
- Subject + auxiliary + either: "I can't swim." — "I can't either."
Match the auxiliary to the first sentence. Use either, not too, in negatives.
each / every
Both take a singular noun and a singular verb:
- each — individuals, one by one; can take of: Each of the rooms has a balcony.
- every — the whole group; cannot take of: ❌ every of the rooms → ✅ every room.
Common mistakes
| ❌ | ✅ |
|---|---|
| Both candidates is ready. | Both candidates are ready. |
| He neither drinks or smokes. | He neither drinks nor smokes. |
| Neither of them don't want to go. | Neither of them wants to go. |
| Every of the answers was wrong. | Each of the answers was wrong. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between both, either, and neither?
All three refer to two things. 'Both' means the two together and takes a plural verb: 'Both restaurants are good.' 'Either' means one or the other and takes a singular verb: 'Either bus works.' 'Neither' means not one and not the other (negative) and also takes a singular verb: 'Neither answer is correct.'
How do you use both...and, either...or, neither...nor?
These correlative conjunctions link two parallel parts. 'Both...and' adds two things: 'both French and German'. 'Either...or' presents a choice: 'either walk or take the bus'. 'Neither...nor' rejects both: 'neither called nor texted'. 'Neither' always pairs with 'nor', never with 'or'.
Why is 'neither of them don't want' wrong?
'Neither' already carries a negative meaning, so you cannot add a second negative word. Say 'Neither of them wants to go', not 'Neither of them doesn't want'. Similarly, after 'don't' use 'either': 'I don't like either option', not 'I don't like neither option'.
What is the difference between each and every?
Both take a singular noun and a singular verb. 'Each' looks at members one by one and can be followed by 'of': 'each of the rooms'. 'Every' treats the group as a whole and cannot take 'of': say 'every room' or 'every one of the rooms', never 'every of the rooms'.