by PushtoLearn
Either Or vs Neither Nor
Table of Contents
Either or - Neither nor Exercises
The Difference Between "Either...Or" and "Neither...Nor"
|
Phrase |
Meaning |
Example |
|
Either...or |
Presents two choices or possibilities (one must be true) |
You can either stay home or come with us. |
|
Neither...nor |
Expresses two negative options (both are false) |
She likes neither coffee nor tea. |
🔹 Key Difference:
-
"Either...or" → one of two options is true
-
"Neither...nor" → both options are false
How to Use "Either...Or"
✅ For Two Choices or Alternatives
-
You can either call me or send a message.
-
She will either study medicine or law.
✅ With Singular Verbs (When Choices Are Singular)
-
Either John or Sarah is coming to the meeting.
-
Either my laptop or my phone is missing.
✅ With Plural Verbs (When Choices Are Plural)
-
Either the students or the teachers are responsible.
-
Either the cats or the dogs make noise at night.
🚨 Common Mistake:
❌ Either John or Sarah are coming.
✅ Either John or Sarah is coming. (Because "John" and "Sarah" are singular)
How to Use "Neither...Nor"
✅ To Say That Both Options Are False
-
Neither my brother nor my sister likes sushi.
-
She speaks neither French nor German.
✅ With Singular Verbs (When Choices Are Singular)
-
Neither the teacher nor the student is in the classroom.
-
Neither Mark nor Lisa was invited.
✅ With Plural Verbs (When Choices Are Plural)
-
Neither the boys nor the girls want to leave.
-
Neither the books nor the magazines are on the table.
🚨 Common Mistake:
❌ Neither my mom nor my dad are home.
✅ Neither my mom nor my dad is home. (Because "mom" and "dad" are singular)
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
|
Mistake |
Correction |
Why? |
|
❌ Either Sarah or Mike are late. |
✅ Either Sarah or Mike is late. |
Singular subject needs singular verb. |
|
❌ Neither the cat nor the dog like water. |
✅ Neither the cat nor the dog likes water. |
Singular subject needs singular verb. |
|
❌ I don’t like either pizza or pasta. |
✅ I like neither pizza nor pasta. |
"Neither...nor" is used for negative sentences. |
|
❌ She doesn’t like neither tea nor coffee. |
✅ She likes neither tea nor coffee. |
Double negatives are incorrect in English. |
Choosing the right word may be difficult. Have a look at these lessons to get more practice and exercises: Some vs Any, Others vs other’s vs others’, Not Only But Also.
FAQ: "Either...Or" vs. "Neither...Nor"
Can "either...or" be used for more than two choices?
No, "either...or" is only for two options.
-
Correct: You can either take the bus or walk.
-
Incorrect: You can either take the bus, the train, or walk. (For more than two choices, use "You can take the bus, the train, or walk.")
Can "neither...nor" be used in negative sentences?
No, "neither...nor" is already negative, so don’t add another negative word.
-
Correct: Neither John nor Mary likes sushi.
-
Incorrect: Neither John nor Mary doesn’t like sushi.
Can I use "either" alone?
Yes! "Either" can be used alone to mean "one or the other."
-
You can have either. (You can choose one of the two.)
Can I use "neither" alone?
Yes! "Neither" can be used alone to mean "not one or the other."
-
Neither of them is available.
Is "neither...nor" formal?
Yes, "neither...nor" is more formal. In everyday conversation, people often use "not...either" instead.
-
Formal: Neither Anna nor Jake wants dessert.
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Informal: Anna doesn’t want dessert, and Jake doesn’t either.
