Both vs Either vs Neither: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
The word "both" means 'both of them', "either" is used to mean 'one of the two', and "neither" means 'neither of them'.
Memory Tip: both = two, either = one, neither = none
both has long /oʊ/, either has long /iː/
both /boʊθ/
pronounUsed to refer to two people or things together.
Example:
Both cats are sleeping on the sofa.
Common patterns:
both A and B
both of them
either /ˈiːðər/
pronounUsed to refer to one or the other of two people or things.
Example:
You can choose either the red shirt or the blue one for the party.
Common patterns:
either...or
either...neither
neither /ˈnaɪðər/
pronounNot one or the other of two people or things.
Example:
Neither of my friends wants to go to the party, so I will go alone.
Common patterns:
neither...nor
neither of
Common Mistakes
Both of the options is not suitable for me.
Neither of the options is suitable for me.
The sentence means that none of the options work, so 'neither' is correct.
I don't like either of the movies.
I don't like both of the movies.
The sentence implies dislike for each movie, so 'both' is correct.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. ____ cats are sleeping on the sofa.
2. You can choose ____ the red shirt or the blue one for the party.
3. ____ of my friends wants to go to the party, so I will go alone.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse both / either / neither again
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