Either vs. Neither — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 23, 2023
"Either" refers to one of two options while "Neither" negates both of the two options, indicating not one nor the other.
Difference Between Either and Neither
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Either" and "Neither" are both used when discussing two choices, but they function differently. "Either" indicates one or the other of two options, while "Neither" denotes the absence or negation of both options.
In statements, "Either" can introduce alternatives, as in "You can take either the red or the blue pill." "Neither," on the other hand, would be used to reject both options, as in "Neither the red nor the blue pill will cure the ailment."
Grammatically, "Either" can pair with "or," suggesting a choice. For instance, "Either work hard, or you'll fail." In contrast, "Neither" pairs with "nor" to indicate the exclusion of both choices, like "Neither the first nor the second option appeals to me."
When discussing preferences or inclinations, "Either" might convey a lack of preference for one over the other, as in "I'm fine with either option." Conversely, "Neither" expresses a lack of inclination towards both, such as "Neither movie interests me."
Both "Either" and "Neither" help in contrasting two items or choices. However, while "Either" leans towards inclusion or acceptance of one, "Neither" leans towards exclusion or rejection of both.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Meaning
One or the other of two options
Not one and not the other
Common Pairing
Either... or
Neither... nor
Grammatical Role
Introduces alternatives
Introduces dual negation
Preference Indication
Might indicate lack of preference
Indicates lack of inclination for both
Example Usage
Either way is fine
Neither way works for me
Compare with Definitions
Either
Used to emphasize similarity or sameness.
She looks like her mother; I could say the same for either sibling.
Neither
Used to introduce a further negative statement.
He doesn't eat meat, and neither do I.
Either
Indicating an inevitable result regardless of circumstance.
Either you leave now, or you'll miss the bus.
Neither
Used to negate both of two options or choices.
It's neither too big nor too small.
Either
Indicating a non-preference.
I don't mind; either way is okay.
Neither
Expressing the negative response of two negative statements.
He neither smiled nor frowned.
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
Neither
Not one and not the other of two.
Neither choice seems right to me.
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
Neither
Not the one nor the other of two people or things; not either
Neither side of the brain is dominant over the other
Neither of us believes it
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
Neither
Not the one nor the other of two people or things; not either
Neither side of the brain is dominant over the other
Neither of us believes it
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
Neither
Used before the first of two (or occasionally more) alternatives (the others being introduced by ‘nor’) to indicate that they are each untrue or each does not happen
I am neither a liberal nor a conservative
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
Neither
Used to introduce a further negative statement
He didn't remember, and neither did I
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
Neither
Not one or the other; not either
Neither shoe feels comfortable.
Either
Used before the first of two or more coordinates or clauses linked by or
Either we go now or we remain here forever.
Neither
Not either; not in either case. Used with the correlative conjunction nor
Neither we nor they want it. She neither called nor wrote. I got neither the gift nor the card.
Either
Any one of two; one or the other
Wear either coat.
Neither
Also not
If he won't go, neither will she.
Either
One and the other; each
Rings on either hand.
Neither
Similarly not; also not
Just as you would not, so neither would they.
Either
Likewise; also. Used as an intensive following negative statements
If you don't order a dessert, I won't either.
Neither
Not one of two; not either.
Neither definition seems correct.
Either
Any one (of two).
You can have it in either colour.
Neither
Not either (used with nor).
Neither you nor I like it.
Either
Each of two; both.
There is a locomotive at either end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.
Neither
Not either one of two.
I’ve tried on both shirts, but neither fits properly.
Either
Any one (of more than two).
Neither
Similarly not.
Just as you would not correct it, neither would I.
Neither can she stop him, nor can he stop her.
Neither now, nor ever will he forsake his mother.
Either
One or the other of two people or things.
He made me two offers, but I did not accept either.
Neither
Not either; not the one or the other.
Which of them shall I take?Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoyed,If both remain alive.
He neither loves,Nor either cares for him.
Either
(obsolete) Both, each of two or more.
Neither
Not either; generally used to introduce the first of two or more coördinate clauses of which those that follow begin with nor.
Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king.
Hadst thou been firm and fixed in thy dissent,Neither had I transgressed, nor thou with me.
When she put it on, she made me vowThat I should neither sell, nor give, nor lose it.
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.
Neither
After a negative statement used to indicate that the next statement is similarly negative;
I was not happy and neither were they
Just as you would not complain, neither should he
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.
Neither
Not either, as of persons or things specified.
Neither John nor Mary is at home.
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
Either
One or the other of two.
You can sit on either side of the couch.
Either
Any one of two; used to indicate a non-specific choice.
Either option is acceptable.
Common Curiosities
Can "either" express a lack of strong preference?
Yes, as in "Either day works for me."
Can "either" and "neither" refer to more than two options?
Traditionally, both words refer to two options, but "either" is sometimes used informally for more than two.
How is "either" used to show similarity?
In statements like "Either brother can help," it means both brothers are similarly capable.
How does "neither" pair with "nor"?
It's used to negate both options, like "Neither fish nor fowl."
How does "neither" show a lack of interest?
As in "Neither movie was interesting."
Is "neither" always negative?
Yes, it denotes the exclusion or negation of both options.
How does "either" pair with "or"?
It presents two alternatives, like "Either this or that."
Is "either" always about choice?
Mostly, but it can also indicate similarity or non-specificity.
Can "neither" stand alone?
Yes, as in "I don't eat meat." "Neither do I."
Can "either" indicate consequences?
Yes, as in "Either study or fail."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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.
