How to Use EITHER and NEITHER - English Tips

TL;DR

This video explains the differences between "either" and "neither" and provides various usage examples.

Transcript

what's up guys today I'm gonna teach you how to use the words either and neither many students have trouble with these two words so let's look at the difference between them and how to use them before we start remember to click on the subscribe button and the bell and follow our instagram page for more english tips and lessons alright so first let'... Read More

Key Insights

• 🙃 "Either" can show two options, agree with a negative statement, or refer to both sides of something.
• ✍️ "Neither" can indicate that two subjects did not do something, agree with a negative statement, or be used with "neither...nor" in formal writing.
• 😯 "Either" and "neither" are not commonly used in regular speech by native speakers.
• 🍵 Agreeing with a negative statement using "either" or "neither" is a common English phrase.
• 😒 Native speakers tend to use "both" instead of "either" in positive situations.
• ❎ In negative situations, "neither" is preferred over "both."
• ✍️ "Neither/nor" constructions are primarily used in formal writing.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is "either" used to show two options?

"Either" is used to present two choices, for example, "We can either go to the movies or to the park."

Q: How does "either" agree with a negative statement?

When agreeing with a negative statement, say "I didn't like it either" instead of using "-". For instance, if someone says they didn't like a movie, you can respond with "I didn't like it either."

Q: How is "either" used to refer to both sides of something?

In negative situations, when saying there is something on both sides, use "either." For example, "There was nobody on either side of her."

Q: How is "neither" used to say that two subjects do not do something?

Use "neither" to express that two people did not do something, like "Neither of them did their homework."

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The word "either" is used to show two options, agree with a negative statement, or refer to both sides of something.

• Similarly, "neither" is used to say that two subjects do not do something, agree with a negative statement, or use "neither...nor" construction for formal writing.

• Native speakers do not commonly use "neither/nor" sentences in regular speech.