When learning English, the words “neither” and “either” often cause confusion due to their similar yet distinct functions. Understanding how to use “neither” and “either properly” is essential for expressing negation and agreement with negative statements.
This blog post will delve into the definitions, differences, and correct usage of “neither” and “either,” providing clear examples to help you master these tricky terms.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently use “neither” and “either” in your everyday conversations and writing.
What is “Neither”?
“Neither” is used to agree with a negative statement. It indicates that two or more things are not true or do not happen. “Neither” is often followed by an auxiliary verb and a subject. It is used to show agreement with a negative statement made by someone else.
Examples:
- Person A: I don’t like broccoli.
Person B: Neither do I. - Person A: She wasn’t happy with the service.
Person B: Neither was I.
What is “Either”?
“Either” is also used in the context of negative statements, but it is placed at the end of a sentence to agree with a negative statement made by someone else. It shows that the second negative statement is true in addition to the first.
Examples:
- Person A: I don’t like broccoli.
Person B: I don’t like broccoli either. - Person A: She wasn’t happy with the service.
Person B: She wasn’t happy with the service either.
How to Use “Neither” and “Either”?
1. Using “Neither”:
When you agree with a negative statement made by someone else, you can use “neither” followed by an auxiliary verb and the subject. The auxiliary verb should match the tense of the original negative statement.
- Negative Statement: I don’t like coffee.
Agreement with “Neither”: Neither do I. - Negative Statement: She hasn’t finished her work.
Agreement with “Neither”: Neither have I.
2. Using “Either”:
When you add a negative statement that agrees with a previous one, you can use “either” at the end of the sentence.
- Negative Statement: I don’t like coffee.
Agreement with “Either”: I don’t like coffee either. - Negative Statement: She hasn’t finished her work.
Agreement with “Either”: She hasn’t finished her work either.
So, Neither is used at the beginning of a negative statement to agree with another negative statement. Example: “Neither do I.” & Either is Used at the end of a negative statement to agree with another negative statement. Example: “I don’t like it either.”
Both “neither” and “either” help to create agreement between two negative statements, but their placement in the sentence is different.
Key Differences
Position in Sentence:
- Neither: Typically appears at the beginning of the agreement statement, followed by an auxiliary verb and the subject.
- Example: “Neither do I.”
- Either: Appears at the end of the sentence.
- Example: “I don’t like it either.”
Function:
- Neither: Used to negate two parts of a statement or to agree with a negative statement.
- Example: “Neither the dog nor the cat is here.” / “Neither was she.”
- Either: Used to agree with a negative statement made by someone else or to offer a choice in a positive sentence.
- Example: “I don’t like it either.” / “You can either call or email.”
Neither And Either Examples With Exercise
1. Person A:
- I don’t enjoy hiking.
Person B:
- Neither do I.
Combined Statement:
- I don’t enjoy hiking either.
2. Person A:
- You aren’t fond of classical music.
Person B:
- Neither am I.
Combined Statement:
- You aren’t fond of classical music either.
3. Person A:
- He doesn’t like spicy food.
Person B:
- Neither does she.
Combined Statement:
- He doesn’t like spicy food either.
4. Person A:
- She wasn’t ready for the exam.
Person B:
- Neither was I.
Combined Statement:
- She wasn’t ready for the exam either.
5. Person A:
- We didn’t see the movie.
Person B:
- Neither did they.
Combined Statement:
- We didn’t see the movie either.
6. Person A:
- They haven’t finished their homework.
Person B:
- Neither have we.
Combined Statement:
- They haven’t finished their homework either.
7. Person A:
- I can’t speak German.
Person B:
- Neither can he.
Combined Statement:
- I can’t speak German either.
8. Person A:
- You shouldn’t eat so much sugar.
Person B:
- Neither should I.
Combined Statement:
- You shouldn’t eat so much sugar either.
9. Person A:
- He hasn’t been to Japan.
Person B:
- Neither have I.
Combined Statement:
- He hasn’t been to Japan either.
10. Person A:
- She won’t attend the meeting.
Person B:
- Neither will he.
Combined Statement:
- She won’t attend the meeting either.
Neither and Either Exercises
1. Person A: I don’t like broccoli.
Person B: _______ do I.
Combined Statement: I don’t like broccoli _______.
2. Person A: You aren’t coming to the party.
Person B: _______ am I.
Combined Statement: You aren’t coming to the party _______.
3. Person A: He doesn’t play soccer.
Person B: _______ does she.
Combined Statement: He doesn’t play soccer _______.
4. Person A: She wasn’t happy with the service.
Person B: _______ was I.
Combined Statement: She wasn’t happy with the service _______.
5. Person A: We didn’t understand the instructions.
Person B: _______ did they.
Combined Statement: We didn’t understand the instructions _______.
6. Person A: They haven’t cleaned their room.
Person B: _______ have we.
Combined Statement: They haven’t cleaned their room _______.
7. Person A: I can’t solve this math problem.
Person B: _______ can he.
Combined Statement: I can’t solve this math problem _______.
8. Person A: You shouldn’t be late.
Person B: _______ should I.
Combined Statement: You shouldn’t be late _______.
9. Person A: He hasn’t traveled abroad.
Person B: _______ have I.
Combined Statement: He hasn’t traveled abroad _______.
10. Person A: She won’t join the team.
Person B: _______ will he.
Combined Statement: She won’t join the team _______.
Answers:
- Person B: Neither do I.
Combined Statement: I don’t like broccoli either. - Person B: Neither am I.
Combined Statement: You aren’t coming to the party either. - Person B: Neither does she.
Combined Statement: He doesn’t play soccer either. - Person B: Neither was I.
Combined Statement: She wasn’t happy with the service either. - Person B: Neither did they.
Combined Statement: We didn’t understand the instructions either. - Person B: Neither have we.
Combined Statement: They haven’t cleaned their room either. - Person B: Neither can he.
Combined Statement: I can’t solve this math problem either. - Person B: Neither should I.
Combined Statement: You shouldn’t be late either. - Person B: Neither have I.
Combined Statement: He hasn’t traveled abroad either. - Person B: Neither will he.
Combined Statement: She won’t join the team either.
Final Words
Mastering the use of “neither” and “either” is a significant step in enhancing your English language skills.
Remember, “neither” is used to agree with negative statements or negate both parts of a statement, while “either” is used at the end of a sentence to agree with a negative statement.
With the examples and explanations provided in this blog post, you should now have a clearer understanding of how to use “neither” and “either” correctly. Practice regularly, and soon, these words will become a natural part of your vocabulary.
