Key Difference: Every English speaker come across the words either and neither. These two words sound the same but have totally two different meanings. Either…or is usually used to represent any one of two choices. On the other hand, Neither…nor is used to represent none or nothing. In this section, we will show you the contradictions of these two terms with proper explanations and examples.
Either: She put a hand on either side of the box.
Neither: It is neither beautiful nor useful.
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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.
Neither:
None.
The word Neither is used to represent none of the choices are available. It can be used as a conjunction, adjective, and pronoun. We usually say “neither this nor that” which represents nothing. It is a negative statement. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. There is neither TV nor radio in that house. From this statement, we might understand that there is no TV or radio in the house. Here we come up with another example. Neither knows what the answer is. From this sentence, we might understand that no one knows the answer.
How Do We Spell the Word Neither?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Neither is ˈnʌɪðə,ˈniːðə. 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 “Neither” by syllables.
- The word “Neither” has two syllables.
- It can be divided into “Nei-ther.”
Using “Neither” in sentences:
- By the way, neither tom nor I drink.
- Neither of them was looking for their friends.
- Now, neither is true.
- Neither sandwich nor popcorn is available.
- She said neither yes nor no.
Compare: Either Vs Neither
This table will show the contradiction between the words’ Either and Neither.
| Either | Neither | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is used to represent one of two things. | It represents nothing. |
| Synonyms | additionally, again, further, also, besides, likewise, more | nor this nor that, not this one or that one, none of them, not any one, none, nothing |
| Antonyms | neither | all, both |
| Etymology | Old English ǣgther, contracted form of ǣg(e)hwæther, of Germanic origin; ultimately related to aye1 and whether. | Middle English: alteration (by association with either) of Old English nawther, contraction of nāhwæther (from nā ‘no’ + hwæther ‘whether’). |
| Examples | I don’t like either of you. She could not lie with either of them. Either my father or my brothers are coming. You may use either hammer. A door must be either shut or open. | Neither of these clothes dries yet. You can choose neither blue nor red. Neither of us went to the concert. The answer to this question is neither true nor false. Neither person is willing to say sorry. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Either, Neither), Merriam-Webster (Either, Neither), Collins Dictionary (Either, Neither), Dictionary.com (Either, Neither)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].