Both, either, neither: Two things

These words are called quantifiers. They tell us "how many" of the two things we mean. Think of it like a simple math problem.

• Both means 1 + 1. It is a positive word. It includes the first thing and the second thing.
• Either means 1 or 0. It is about a choice. You take this one or that one. It does not matter which one.
• Neither means 0 + 0. It is a negative word. You do not want the first one. You do not want the second one.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! They might say neither when they have three options. But you are smarter. You know the "Rule of Two". If you have three friends, you use all or none. But if you have two best friends, both is your best friend.

1. 1You can use these words in a few different ways. Here is how you build the sentences.
2. 2Use them directly with nouns: both + plural noun.
3. 3Both books are great.
4. 4Either day is fine for me.
5. 5Neither car is expensive.
6. 6Use the "of" pattern: word + of + the/my/these + plural noun.
7. 7Both of my parents are tall.
8. 8Either of these pens works.
9. 9Neither of the movies was good.
10. 10Use them with pronouns: word + of + us/you/them.
11. 11Both of us are hungry.
12. 12I don't like either of them.
13. 13Neither of you is late.
14. 14Important note! When you use either or neither as the subject, the verb is usually singular. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It stops the plural verb. Neither of them is (not are) is the formal rule. In casual chat, people often use plural verbs. But for your tests, keep it singular!

You should use these words in specific real-world scenarios.

• When ordering food: "I like both pizza and pasta."
• When making plans: "Either Saturday or Sunday is perfect."
• In a job interview: "I have experience in both sales and marketing."
• When asking for directions: "Can I take either bus to the city?"
• When talking about family: "Neither of my brothers likes football."

Use these words to be precise. If you say "I like those two books," it is okay. But if you say "I like both books," you sound like a pro. It shows you know exactly how many things you are discussing. It keeps your sentences short and punchy.

Do not use these words if you have more than two things. This is the biggest rule!

• If you have three shirts, do not say "I like either shirt." Say "I like any of the shirts."
• If you have five pens and none work, do not use neither. Use none.
• If you are talking about all the students in a class of twenty, use all.

Also, avoid using neither if the verb is already negative. This creates a double negative. It is like wearing two pairs of sunglasses. It is too much!

• Don't say: "I don't want neither coffee."
• Do say: "I want neither coffee" or "I don't want either coffee."

1. 1The Double Negative: As mentioned, neither is already negative. Don't add not to the sentence.

• ✗ "I don't like neither coat."
• ✓ "I like neither coat."

1. 1The Three-Thing Trap: Using these words for a group of three or more.

• ✗ "Both of my three sisters are here."
• ✓ "All of my three sisters are here."

1. 1The Verb Mix-up: Using a plural verb with neither or either in formal writing.

• ✗ "Neither of the keys open the door."
• ✓ "Neither of the keys opens the door."

1. 1Forgetting "of": You need of before the, my, or pronouns.

• ✗ "Both us are ready."
• ✓ "Both of us are ready."

Let's compare these to all, any, and none.

• Both (2 things) vs. All (3+ things): Both are positive.
• Either (2 things) vs. Any (3+ things): Both are about choice.
• Neither (2 things) vs. None (3+ things): Both are negative.

Think of both, either, and neither as the "VIP members" of the quantifier family. They have their own private club for pairs. Everyone else has to use all, any, and none. It is a small club, but it is very important for daily English.