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 this word in conversation

Examples

  • That explanation did not help, and the diagram was not clear either.
  • If red and blue are available, either is fine.
  • We could use either plan if the budget changes.
  • Either answer will be accepted.
  • The printer is not working, and the scanner is not working either.

Similar words

or else
as well
likewise
any
alternatively
whether
both
whatever
whichever
whichever

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.

Usage

Use either before a singular noun when exactly two choices are in view and one choice is enough.

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.

Common mistakes

A plural noun or verb often follows either when the choice should stay singular.
IncorrectCorrect
Either routes will work. Either route will work.
Either answer are acceptable. Either answer is acceptable.
You can choose either of the three colors. You can choose any of the three colors.

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.

Usage

Use either for paired positions when the meaning is both sides or both ends, not a single free choice.

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.

Common mistakes

The paired sense is often forced into a plural noun, although the noun after either stays singular.
IncorrectCorrect
Trees grew on either sides of the lane. Trees grew on either side of the lane.
There were handles at either ends of the box. There were handles at either end of the box.
She wore a bracelet on either wrists. 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.

Usage

Use either as a pronoun only when two choices are already clear from context.

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.

Common mistakes

A plural verb often appears after pronoun either, and any is better when more than two choices are meant.
IncorrectCorrect
Either are fine. Either is fine.
Either of the three rooms is available. Any of the three rooms is available.
Either of them were ready. Either of them was ready.

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.

Usage

Use either with or to keep alternatives parallel, especially when whole clauses or matching phrases are compared.

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.

Common mistakes

The two alternatives often stop being parallel after either, which makes the sentence awkward or unclear.
IncorrectCorrect
Either we leave now or stay late. Either we leave now or we stay late.
She either wants tea or coffee. She wants either tea or coffee.
Either call me or an email. Either call me or send an email.

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.

Usage

Use either after a negative clause where positive sentences would use too or also.

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.

Common mistakes

Positive statements often take either by mistake, where too or also is needed instead.
IncorrectCorrect
I like coffee, either. I like coffee, too.
She does not likes tea either. She does not like tea either.
I do not either want dessert. I do not want dessert either.

Similar words

too
also
as well
likewise

Usage

Use either for a two-way choice, a paired both-sides meaning, the either ... or pattern, or a negative addition equivalent to too.

Common mistakes

Either is often followed by a plural noun or used with positive sentences where too belongs.

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.

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