either

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العربية الفصحى
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/ˈiːðər/
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A choice word for one of two possibilities, for both members of a pair, for linked alternatives with or, and for adding another negative statement.
Practice using either in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • If red and blue are available, either is fine.
  • Two guards stood on either side of the gate.
  • Either answer will be accepted.
  • He has never been to Rome, and I have not either.
  • Take either train to reach the airport.

Similar words

whichever
each
whichever
both
one and the other
also
or
one or the other
each side
any

Meanings

One of two before a noun

adjective
everyday
neutral
One of two possible people or things, with no preference or no need to say which one.

Examples

  • Take either train to reach the airport.
  • Either answer will be accepted.
  • The room can be booked for either date.
  • Press either button to restart the device.
  • We could use either plan if the budget changes.
  • Choose either dessert with the fixed menu.

Similar words

any
one
whichever
one or the other
any one
whatever

Each of two

adjective
everyday
neutral
Each one in a pair, especially two sides, ends, hands, or matching positions.

Examples

  • Trees grew on either side of the lane.
  • There is a handle at either end of the box.
  • Two guards stood on either side of the gate.
  • Windows ran along either wall of the hall.
  • Lights marked either edge of the runway.
  • She wore a bracelet on either wrist.

Similar words

each
both
one and the other
each one
each side

One of two by itself

pronoun
everyday
neutral
One or the other of two people, things, or possibilities, used without repeating the noun.

Examples

  • Two rooms are free, and either would suit us.
  • I asked for tea or coffee, but I did not want either.
  • Pick one envelope. Either contains the same voucher.
  • If red and blue are available, either is fine.
  • Neither road is closed, so either should get us there.
  • Both assistants are trained, and either can help.

Similar words

any
one
whichever
one or the other
any one

Linking alternatives with or

conjunction
grammar
neutral
Introduces the first choice in a pair or series of alternatives joined by or.

Examples

  • Either call tonight or send a message tomorrow.
  • The file can be saved either locally or in the cloud.
  • Either the lock is jammed or the key is bent.
  • She will either accept the offer or ask for more time.
  • Tickets are available either online or at the desk.
  • Either reduce the price or improve the service.

Similar words

or
whether
alternatively
or else

Also after a negative

adverb
communication
neutral
After a negative clause, adds that the same negative statement applies to another person, thing, or comment.

Examples

  • I do not like olives, and my brother does not like them either.
  • The first plan was not cheap, and the second was not simple either.
  • She cannot attend the meeting, and I cannot either.
  • The printer is not working, and the scanner is not working either.
  • He has never been to Rome, and I have not either.
  • That explanation did not help, and the diagram was not clear either.

Similar words

too
also
as well
likewise

Etymology

From Old English ǣgðer, a contracted form of ǣghwæðer, built from ā meaning "always," the collective prefix ge-, and hwæðer meaning "which of two." The older meaning was "each of two" or "both," while "one or the other of two" developed in Middle English.

FAQ

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