Key Difference: Either and both are two different words in the English language, but many people get confused while using them. They think that both words represent the same meaning. Generally, either is used to indicate only one out of a group. Whereas, both is used to represent two things or two people. In this tutorial, we will show you the proper explanation to know the contradictions between them.
Either: She put a hand on either side of the box.
Both: They both care a lot.
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Either:
Represents one of the two things.
The term Either is used to represent any one of the two choices. It can be used as an adjective, pronoun, conjunction, and adverb. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. Add either one or two pieces of sugar. From this statement, we might understand that, someone said that, add one or two pieces of sugar to the dish. Here we come up with another example. You can choose either red or green. This sentence shows two choices red and green and someone has to pick anyone from them.
How Do We Spell the Word Either?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Either is ˈʌɪðə,ˈiːðə. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Either” by syllables.
- The word “Either” has two syllables.
- It can be divided into “Ei-ther.”
Using “Either” in sentences:
- You have to hear either side of the story.
- They selected either of us.
- It is better to not tell the truth to either of them.
- Either win the match or accept your defeat.
- He doesn’t want to speak with either of them.
Both:
Refers to two things.
The word “both” is used to indicate two people or things. In other words, when a group consists of two members, then we can refer to them using the term both. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. Veronica and Betty both enjoy playing tennis. From this statement, we might understand that the two people called Veronica and Betty enjoy playing tennis with each other. Here we come up with another example for your reference. Both of them passed all the examinations. This sample statement will show that two persons passed all the exams.
How Do We Spell the Word Both?
The phonetics pronunciation of the word Both is bəʊθ. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Both” by syllables.
- The word “Both” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Both” in sentences:
- Both Tom and Jimmy were watching the match.
- We both know who you are.
- She played with both of them.
- We both agree with your point.
- I have an infection in both eyes.
Compare: Either Vs Both
This table will show the contradiction between the words’ Either and Both.
| Either | Both | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is used to represent one of two things. | It refers to two things or two persons. |
| Synonyms | additionally, again, further, also, besides, likewise, more | One and the other, the couple, the pair, the two. |
| Antonyms | neither | Each, one |
| Etymology | Old English ǣgther, contracted form of ǣg(e)hwæther, of Germanic origin; ultimately related to aye1 and whether. | Middle English: from Old Norse báthir. |
| Examples | I don’t like either of you. She could not lie to either of them. Either my father or my brothers are coming. You may use either hammer. A door must be either shut or open. | Please try on both outfits. I like both of your plans. She takes both boxes from the table. The dog is both hungry and tired. You and I are the toppers in this class. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Either, Both), Merriam-Webster (Either, Both), Collins Dictionary (Either, Both), Dictionary.com (Either, Both)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].