Either vs. Both — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
"Either" refers to one of two options, while "both" refers to two options collectively. "Either" is singular, emphasizing a choice between alternatives, whereas "both" is plural, signifying the inclusion of two items together.
Difference Between Either and Both
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Either" is used when choosing between two alternatives, indicating that one option is acceptable. "Both," however, emphasizes that two items are collectively involved and not just one.
"Either" typically appears in contexts where a decision between two choices must be made, like in "Either you or I will attend." "Both" is used when no choice is necessary, as in "Both you and I will attend."
"Either" is grammatically singular and agrees with singular verbs ("Either option works well"). "Both" is grammatically plural and agrees with plural verbs ("Both options work well").
"Either" is sometimes used with "or" to indicate a choice ("either…or"), whereas "both" often pairs with "and" to include two things simultaneously ("both…and").
"Either" suggests one out of two possibilities, like in "Either route will get us there," whereas "Both" means two together, like "Both routes are beautiful."
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
One of two alternatives
Collectively includes two options
Grammar
Singular
Plural
Typical Pairing
With "or"
With "and"
Example Use
"Either cat or dog is fine."
"Both cats and dogs are great."
Context
Emphasizes a choice
Emphasizes inclusion
Compare with Definitions
Either
One of two possible choices.
Either option will work for us.
Both
Refers collectively to two people or things.
Both sisters are talented musicians.
Either
Any one of two things without specifying which.
We can take either route to reach the destination.
Both
Together with another.
Both my brother and I were surprised.
Either
Each of two alternatives separately.
Either member can represent the group.
Both
Involving or applying to two elements.
Both routes are beautiful.
Either
Used to introduce an alternative.
You can either pay now or later.
Both
Each of two things considered together.
They both agreed to the plan.
Either
"Either...or" indicates one of two choices.
Either go for a walk or stay at home.
Both
"Both...and" indicates inclusion of two elements.
Both the kids and adults enjoyed the event.
Either
Used before the first of two (or occasionally more) given alternatives (the other being introduced by ‘or’)
Either I accompany you to your room or I wait here
Available in either black or white
Both
One and the other; relating to or being two in conjunction
Both guests have arrived. Both the books are torn. Both her fingers are broken.
Either
Used to indicate a similarity or link with a statement just made
It won't do any harm, but won't really help either
You don't like him, do you? I don't either
Both
Used with and to indicate that each of two things in a coordinated phrase or clause is included
Both men and women.
An attorney well regarded for both intelligence and honesty.
Either
Used before the first of two (or occasionally more) given alternatives (the other being introduced by ‘or’)
Available in either black or white
Either I accompany you to your room or I wait here
Both
Each of the two; one and the other; referring to two individuals or items.
Both children are such dolls.
Which one do you need? – I need both of them.
Either
Used to indicate a similarity or link with a statement just made
It won't do any harm, but won't really help either
You don't like him, do you? I don't either
Both
Each of the two, or of the two kinds.
"Did you want this one or that one?" — "Give me both."
They were both here.
Either
One or the other of two people or things
There were no children of either marriage
Their mortgage will be repaid if either of them dies
Both
Including both of (used with and).
Both you and I are students.
Either
One or the other of two people or things
Their mortgage will be repaid if either of them dies
There were no children of either marriage
Both
(obsolete) Including all of (used with and).
Either
Used before the first of two or more coordinates or clauses linked by or
Either we go now or we remain here forever.
Both
The one and the other; the two; the pair, without exception of either.
She alone is heir to both of us.
Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
He will not bear the loss of his rank, because he can bear the loss of his estate; but he will bear both, because he is prepared for both.
Thy weal and woe are both of them extremes.
This said, they both betook them several ways.
Either
Any one of two; one or the other
Wear either coat.
Both
As well; not only; equally.
To judge both quick and dead.
A masterpiece both for argument and style.
To whom bothe heven and erthe and see is sene.
Both mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound.
He prayeth well who loveth wellBoth man and bird and beast.
Either
One and the other; each
Rings on either hand.
Both
(used with count nouns) two considered together; the two;
Both girls are pretty
Either
Likewise; also. Used as an intensive following negative statements
If you don't order a dessert, I won't either.
Either
Any one (of two).
You can have it in either colour.
Either
Each of two; both.
There is a locomotive at either end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.
Either
Any one (of more than two).
Either
One or the other of two people or things.
He made me two offers, but I did not accept either.
Either
(obsolete) Both, each of two or more.
Either
As well.
I don't like him, and I don't like her either.
I know a cheap Spanish restaurant. It's not far from here, either.
Either
Introduces the first of two (or occasionally more) options or possibilities, the second (or last) of which is introduced by “or”.
Either you eat your dinner or you go to your room.
You can have either potatoes or rice with that, but not both.
You'll be either early, late, or on time.
Either
One of two; the one or the other; - properly used of two things, but sometimes of a larger number, for any one.
Lepidus flatters both,Of both is flattered; but he neither loves,Nor either cares for him.
Scarce a palm of ground could be gotten by either of the three.
There have been three talkers in Great British, either of whom would illustrate what I say about dogmatists.
Either
Each of two; the one and the other; both; - formerly, also, each of any number.
His flowing hairIn curls on either cheek played.
On either side . . . was there the tree of life.
The extreme right and left of either army never engaged.
Either
Either precedes two, or more, coördinate words or phrases, and is introductory to an alternative. It is correlative to or.
Either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth.
Few writers hesitate to use either in what is called a triple alternative; such as, We must either stay where we are, proceed, or recede.
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?
Either
After a negative statement used as an intensive meaning something like `likewise' or `also';
He isn't stupid, but he isn't exactly a genius either
I don't know either
If you don't order dessert I won't either
Common Curiosities
Is "both" always plural?
Yes, "both" implies that two elements are being referred to together.
Can "either" mean "each"?
Yes, "either" can mean "each" separately of two elements.
Is "both" limited to objects or people?
No, "both" can refer to concepts, ideas, or abstract things as well.
Does "either" work with singular or plural verbs?
"Either" takes singular verbs because it emphasizes one option.
How does "either" differ from "neither"?
"Either" allows one of two choices; "neither" excludes both.
When is "both" appropriate to use?
"Both" is used when referring collectively to two elements.
How does "either" pair with "or"?
"Either...or" pairs to introduce a choice between two alternatives.
What about "both"? Singular or plural verbs?
"Both" requires plural verbs because it refers to two items together.
Can "either" mean "any"?
Yes, but only if two alternatives are implied.
What does "either" mean?
"Either" refers to one of two choices or alternatives.
Can "either" be used for more than two choices?
No, "either" is generally limited to situations involving only two choices.
Can "both" be used with more than two items?
No, "both" specifically refers to two items only.
Does "both" always need "and"?
"Both" often pairs with "and" for emphasis, but it can stand alone.
Is "both" used in negative contexts?
Not commonly, since "both" implies inclusion.
Is "either" interchangeable with "each"?
They can be similar, but "either" often implies a choice.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
