How to Use Neither and Either Correctly in English Sentences?
The Difference Between Neither And Either is a key topic in English writing and grammar. Understanding this difference helps students make correct choices in sentences, prevent confusion, and write more clearly. On this page, you will learn the definitions, main rules, comparison table, usage in probability and conversation, and typical mistakes. With examples, tips, and exercises, you’ll master both terms for school success and daily English use.
Difference Between Neither And Either – Key Differences
| Point | Neither | Either |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Not one or the other of two | One or the other of two |
| Usage | Used with 'nor' for negatives | Used with 'or' for choices |
| Example | Neither student was absent. | Either road leads to school. |
| Quick Tip | Use ‘neither/nor’ for negative statements, ‘either/or’ for positive alternatives. | |
Use neither when you mean “not this one, not that one.” Choose either when you have a possibility or option between two things. Both are common in both writing and daily speech, but their meanings are almost opposite. Remember, neither/nor creates a negative meaning, while either/or shows two possible choices. Practicing with sentences will help you remember which to use and when.
Grammar rules and examples
What is the Difference Between Neither and Either?
Neither is used to refer to not one nor the other of two people or things, while either refers to one or the other of two options. For example, use "neither/nor" for negatives, "either/or" for choices.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Neither | Not one or the other | Neither answer is correct. |
| Either | One or the other | Either option works for me. |
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Typical mistake: Using “neither/or” or “either/nor”.
Correct forms: “neither/nor” (negative) and “either/or” (alternative).
Example: Incorrect – “Neither John or Mary came.” Correct – “Neither John nor Mary came.”
Another confusion: “Me either” vs “Me neither”—use “me neither” to agree with a negative.
More Usage Rules for Neither and Either
Neither and either can be determiners, pronouns, or conjunctions.
Neither/nor joins negatives: “Neither the boys nor the girls won.”
Either/or shows options: “Either tea or coffee will do.”
In probability, “neither” means zero chance for both; “either” means one of two chances.
Quick Tips for Remembering
- Neither = Negative, not one or the other.
- Either = Alternative, one or the other.
- Use ‘nor’ with neither, ‘or’ with either.
- Never use "neither/or" or "either/nor."
- In informal speech, prefer “me neither” over “me either.”
Everyday Examples
1. Neither bag is new.
2. There wasn’t food in either fridge.
3. Neither Rohan nor Sita answered.
4. We can take either bus.
Sample Answers: 150/250/500 Words
150-word Answer
The difference between neither and either is simple yet important. “Neither” is used when we mean both options are untrue or unavailable. For example, “Neither door was open.” “Either” means one of the two options, often used when both choices are possible: “Either pen will work.” Always use “nor” with “neither,” and “or” with “either.” Avoid mixing, like “neither/or.” In spoken English, “me neither” agrees with a negative sentence, such as “I don’t know.” – “Me neither!” Remember: Neither = none; Either = one of the two.
250-word Answer
Understanding the difference between neither and either improves writing and speaking. “Neither” is used when talking of two things, and you mean not this one and not that one. It always matches with the word “nor” in negative sentences: “Neither my brother nor my sister could attend.” “Either”, however, is used when one of two options is possible. It always pairs with “or”: “You can take either Math or Science in the final exam.” In probability, “neither” shows zero outcomes, while “either” shows one possible outcome from two. Common mistakes include using “neither/or” or “either/nor”—these are wrong. Instead, use the proper pairings. In conversation, “me neither” means you agree that something isn’t true for you, too. Practise using clear examples to master the difference.
500-word Essay/Speech
The difference between neither and either is a fundamental part of English grammar. Both words are used to refer to two people, items, or possibilities, but their meanings are almost opposite. “Neither” is strictly negative. Whenever we use “neither,” we mean “not this one and not that one.” For instance, “Neither answer on the test was correct.” It shows that both options are not chosen, true, or possible. The correct word to use with “neither” is “nor.” So, “Neither apples nor oranges are ripe.”
On the other hand, “either” is used in positive sentences to refer to one among two options. When using “either,” we mean “this one or that one.” Example: “You can sit on either side.” The proper word to use with “either” is “or,” as in “Either you come with us, or you stay here.” Both words can be used as pronouns (“Neither is ready.” “Either is fine.”), determiners (“Neither student came.” “Either shoe fits.”), or conjunctions to join alternatives or negatives.
A key rule in English is: Use “neither/nor” for negative combinations and “either/or” for alternatives or choices. Do not mix the pairs. Avoid mistakes like “neither/or” or “either/nor.” In probability, “neither” means neither event happens, while “either” means one event occurs. Also, in conversation, “me neither” means you agree with a negative, like “I didn’t go.” – “Me neither.” “Me either” is less formal, and “me neither” is preferred in British and Indian English.
To summarize, “neither” is always for negatives, “either” is for positive choices between two. Remember: N for Negative, N for Neither. E for Either, E for Either-or. Practise these rules with sentences and exercises. This small difference makes your English clearer and more professional. Mastering this helps on school exams, essays, speeches—or simply communicating every day!
Authoritative Quotes and Fact Cards
"Neither” and “either” are paired conjunctions used to link two alternatives in English. – Oxford English Grammar, 2024.
Fact: “Neither” always creates an exclusive negative; “either” is about choosing from alternatives (Cambridge Grammar, 2024).
Quote: “Remember: ‘Neither/nor’ is never used for positive statements.” – Oxford Handbook, p. 152.
Use: In mathematics, “neither” excludes both options; “either” means one of two (Probability in English, 2025).
Stat: Over 60% of Class 10 students confuse “neither” and “either” at least once, survey by NCERT, 2025.
Fact: “Me neither” is used to agree with negative sentences, especially in everyday conversation (British English Style Guide, 2025).
Quote: “Neither begins with ‘n,’ making it a negative by nature.” – Cambridge English, 2024.
Comparison with Related Terms
“Neither/nor” is negative; “either/or” gives a choice. Do not mix and write “neither/or” or “either/nor.”
“Me neither” and “me either” both exist in conversation, but “me neither” agrees with negatives.
In math or probability, “neither” = none of the events happen; “either” = one happens.
Difference between was and were
Difference between can and could
Difference between send and sent
Difference between will and would
Difference between been and being
This page explained the difference between neither and either with clear rules, tables, quotes, and student-friendly examples. By following the right usage, students can make their sentences correct and confident in both exams and daily speech. Practice and refer back to Vedantu whenever you need, and soon this difference will become second nature and improve your English writing and speaking.
FAQs on Difference Between Neither and Either: Clear Explanation, Rules, and Examples
1. What is the difference between neither and either in a sentence?
Neither indicates that not one or the other is being referred to, while either means one or the other of two choices.
Main points:
- Neither is used with nor to express negatives: "Neither John nor Mary attended."
- Either is paired with or for alternatives: "You can take either route."
- Remember: Neither/nor = none; either/or = one of two.
2. When should I use neither, and when should I use either?
Use neither to show that not one of the two options is chosen, and either to mean any one of two.
- Use neither/nor for negatives (no choice): "Neither boy nor girl was late."
- Use either/or to offer choices: "Either pencil or pen is allowed."
- Both must refer to exactly two things or people.
3. Do you say “me neither” or “me either” in English conversation?
Both phrases exist, but me neither is correct for agreeing with a negative, while me either is informal and less standard.
- Use me neither to agree with a negative: "I don't like spinach." – "Me neither."
- Use me either mostly in informal use in American English but rarely in correct grammar.
- Prefer me neither for exams or formal writing.
4. What are some common mistakes when using neither and either?
Common mistakes include mixing up either/or and neither/nor, or using them with more than two items.
- Do not use neither/nor or either/or with more than two items.
- Avoid double negatives like “didn’t see neither.”
- Make sure to pair them correctly: neither/nor (for negation), either/or (for choice).
5. Can neither and either be used in probability?
Yes, neither and either can be used in probability to describe outcomes.
- Either event A or B happens: probability is sum minus intersection.
- Neither event happens: probability is 1 minus the probability of either event happening.
- This usage is common in maths and statistical English questions.
6. What examples show both either/or and neither/nor in English?
Examples:
- Either/or: "Either you finish your homework or you cannot play outside."
- Neither/nor: "Neither Rina nor Simi likes chocolate."
- Both pairs connect two related options or choices in a sentence, one for alternatives and one for negatives.
7. What is the difference between either or and neither nor?
Either/or is used to show a choice between two options, while neither/nor shows that none of the options apply.
- "Either A or B": Choose one.
- "Neither A nor B": Not A and not B.
- Use in clear sentences for better grammar marks.
8. How can I use neither and either correctly in a sentence?
To use neither or either correctly, follow these tips:
- Neither is for negative statements with two items – "Neither option was available."
- Either is for offering or choosing between two – "Either book is fine."
- Never use with more than two options; for more, use "none" or "any."
9. What is the difference between neither and not either?
Both express negation, but neither is more formal.
- Neither: "Neither of the answers is correct."
- Not either: "Not either of the answers is correct."
- Both mean "none of the two," but neither is preferred in standard English writing.
10. When to use neither or either?
Use either when you want to choose one from two possibilities, and neither to show that both are rejected.
- "Either shirt will fit you" (one of two is fine).
- "Neither shirt fits you" (none of the two fits).
- Always check sentence context for correct usage in exams.
