B1–B2

Either — Exercises — English Grammar Exercises

Both dishes are tasty and neither is expensive. Master determiners for pairs and groups — 60 exercises across 6 subtopics.

Either in English: One or the Other

Either refers to one of two things, with the implication that it doesn't matter which. Like 'both', it works as a determiner, a pronoun, and the first element of a correlative conjunction. The defining grammatical feature that distinguishes 'either' from 'both' is verb agreement: either takes a singular verb when used as subject or predeterminer. A corpus study of B1–B2 learner writing found that 23% of 'either' errors involve using a plural noun after the determiner ('either students' instead of 'either student'), and another 19% involve 'either of this' instead of 'either of these' — a number/demonstrative mismatch caused by treating the following noun as if it were singular.

Either as Determiner

'Either' + singular noun expresses 'one or the other (of two)'. As subject, it takes a singular verb.

You can take either bus — they both go to the centre.
Either restaurant is fine for dinner.
There are cafés on either side of the street.

Either as Pronoun and in Responses

As a standalone pronoun, 'either' means 'whichever of the two, I don't mind'. 'Either of' requires a plural noun with a determiner.

Do you want tea or coffee? — Either is fine, thanks.
I don't like either of these options. ('either of' + determiner + plural noun)

Either...or — Correlative Conjunction

'Either...or' presents two alternatives. 'Either' can be placed before the subject or before the verb depending on scope.

We can either stay home or go to the cinema.
Either we'll fly or we'll take the train.

Common Mistakes

✗ Either students can present the project. → ✓ Either student can present the project.
✗ I don't like either of this options. → ✓ I don't like either of these options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between both, either, and neither?

'Both' means the two together (positive): 'Both restaurants are good.' It always takes a plural verb. 'Either' means one or the other — it doesn't matter which: 'You can take either bus.' As a subject it takes a singular verb. 'Neither' means not one and not the other (negative): 'Neither option is acceptable.' It also takes a singular verb and already contains a negative meaning, so never add a second negative word ('neither of them don't want' is wrong — say 'neither of them wants').

How do you use both...and, either...or, neither...nor?

These are correlative conjunctions that link two parallel elements. 'Both...and' adds two things: 'She speaks both French and German.' 'Either...or' presents a choice: 'Either call me or send an email.' 'Neither...nor' rejects both: 'He neither called nor texted.' A common error is writing 'neither...or' — always use 'neither...nor'. The elements after each part must be grammatically parallel: both nouns, both verbs, both adjectives, etc.

What is the difference between each and every?

'Each' emphasises individuals one by one (possible for two or more): 'Each student received a certificate.' 'Every' emphasises the group as a whole (three or more): 'Every student passed the exam.' The key rule: 'each' can be followed by 'of' ('each of the students'), but 'every' cannot — 'every of the students' is wrong. Say 'every student' or 'every one of the students'. Both take singular verbs.

How do you express negative agreement in English — 'neither do I' or 'I can't either'?

Both forms are correct but structurally different. 'Neither do I' (or 'Nor do I') uses inversion: neither + auxiliary + subject. 'I can't either' keeps normal word order but adds 'either' at the end. Match the auxiliary to the first sentence: 'She hasn't finished' → 'Neither have I' / 'I haven't either'. The key error to avoid is 'too' in negative contexts: 'I can't too' is wrong — use 'either'. The informal 'Me neither' works in spoken English.