Either vs Neither! The English words neither vs either can cause some problems for native and non-native speakers of English.

Either vs Neither

Neither Definition and Examples

1. Neither can also be followed by (one) of + group of two:

• Neither of them is ready.
• Neither one of them is ready.
• Neither of us has any money.
• Neither one of us has any money.

2. Neither…nor

Neither… nor is equivalent to not… either… or.

• Neither  John nor Sophia will be there.
• We brought neither tea nor coffee.

3. Neither is used like not… either.

• I don’t speak English. Neither do I – (informal): Me neither.

Either Definition and Examples

1. Either can also be followed by (one) of + group of two:

• Either of us could do it.
• Either one of us could do it.
• Either of you should know.
• Either one of you should know.

2. Either… or

Either… or is used to offer a choice between two possibilities:

• Either John or Sophia will be there.
• We should bring either tea or coffee.

3. Not… either… or denies both possibilities:

• I don’t think either John or Sophia will be there.

4. Not… either is used after a negative statement.

• I don’t speak English. You don’t either.