either

1.adverbB1

Definition

used after a clause that already says no, to add another negative point. When you have said that something is not the case, adding "either" tells the listener that the same is true for a second thing or person.

Example

I don't like heavy metal music, and I don't like rap either.

not + [noun phrase] + and + not + [noun phrase] + either

Jude hasn't finished his science project, and his partner hasn't either.

Common collocations

not ... either

Synonyms

neither
fused form, used as 'neither X nor Y' or 'neither of them'
nor
connects two negative clauses ('not X, nor Y'), more formal

Antonyms

too
used in affirmative sentences instead of negative ones
also
used in affirmative sentences, usually before the main verb

Grammar Patterns

not + [verb phrase] + either

Usage Note

Used at the end of a clause, not at the beginning. For positive sentences, use "too" or "also" instead.

Common Mistakes

I don't like coffee, and I don't like tea too.

I don't like coffee, and I don't like tea either.

'too' is only used in positive or affirmative sentences.

Either I don't like it.

I don't like it either.

'either' must come at the end of the clause, not the beginning.

1.determinerB1

Definition

referring to one or the other of two available things, people, or possibilities — without specifying which one, because the choice does not matter or both are acceptable.

Example

You can take either train — they both arrive at the same station.

either + [singular noun] meaning it does not matter which

Faisal said he would be happy with either paint color for the bedroom.

Common collocations

either ... or
either side
either option
either way

Synonyms

one or the other of
more explanatory but less compact
any
'any' is used with three or more options; 'either' is only for two

Antonyms

neither
none of the two, the negative counterpart
both
refers to the two together, not one individually

Grammar Patterns

either + [singular noun]

either + [singular noun] + or + [singular noun]

Usage Note

The noun after 'either' is always singular, even when two options are being discussed. 'Either side' means one of the two sides.

Common Mistakes

Either trains go to台北.

Either train goes to Taipei.

the noun after 'either' must be singular.

2.determinerB2

Definition

both of two things considered together; each one of two. Used especially when talking about two sides, ends, or positions that form a pair.

Example

There are cherry trees planted on either side of the driveway.

either + side to mean both sides

The bedroom has a reading lamp at either end of the bed.

Common collocations

either side
either end
either hand
either bank

Synonyms

both
'both' takes a plural noun ('both sides'), while 'either' takes a singular noun ('either side')
each
'each' can be used with more than two; 'either' is only for two

Grammar Patterns

either + [singular noun indicating a pair]

Usage Note

Frequently used with nouns that naturally come in pairs (side, end, hand, bank, shore). Unlike sense 1, this sense does NOT involve choosing between options — it means 'both'.

Common Mistakes

There are trees on either sides of the road.

There are trees on either side of the road.

the noun stays singular even when the meaning is 'both.'

1.adjectiveB2

Definition

relating to both members of a pair, with each one considered on its own side or position. Points to the fact that something happens or is present at both ends or both sides.

Example

The garden fence runs along either boundary of the property.

either + boundary = both boundaries, one on each side

A tall lamp stood at either corner of the writing desk.

Common collocations

either boundary
either corner
either entrance
either bank

Synonyms

each
less formal and more common in everyday speech
both
takes a plural noun; 'both corners' vs 'either corner'

Grammar Patterns

either + [singular noun]

Usage Note

Overlaps with the determiner 'each of two' sense (determiner/2). The adjective use often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone and emphasises the individual members of the pair.

Common Mistakes

Either corners of the room had plants.

Either corner of the room had a plant.

the noun after 'either' is always singular.

2.adjectiveB2

Definition

describing a situation where two alternative possibilities exist and either one could be true or valid, without selecting between them.

Example

The contract can be signed under either set of terms agreed last week.

either set of terms = one of the two possible sets

Either outcome of the vote would bring significant changes to the policy.

Common collocations

either outcome
either plan
either set
either path

Synonyms

any
broader: 'any' can refer to more than two options
whichever
emphasises free choice more strongly

Grammar Patterns

either + [singular noun]

Usage Note

Distinguish from determiner/1 (ANY ONE OF TWO): the adjective sense places more emphasis on the noun being described (the outcome, the set, the plan) and less on the act of choosing between options. The determiner sense is more common in everyday conversation.

Word family

neither
determinerB1
neither
pronounB1
neither
adverbB1
either-or
adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: determiner/1

Either, any, both, and neither all deal with selecting items, but they differ in number and meaning. Either is always about two options and implies a choice between them: 'You can take either road' means one of the two available roads. Any works for three or more options and often suggests it does not matter which: 'Pick any card from the deck' (52 cards). Both means the two options together, not one individually: 'Take both roads' would be impossible. Neither is the negative counterpart of either: 'Neither road leads to the city' means none of the two. In short: either = one of two; any = one of many; both = two together; neither = none of two. For a concrete mental test — if you are at a fork with two paths, either fits. At a buffet with ten dishes, use any.

either ↗any ↗both ↗neither ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

either side
either end
either hand
either way
either option
either case

Phrases

either ... or ...
either way

Prepositions

either of

Etymology

Old EnglishProto-GermanicEnglish

Either traces back to Old English ǣgther, a shortened form of ǣghwæther, which combined ā ('ever, always'), the collective prefix ge-, and hwæther ('which of two'). Its original meaning was 'each of two.' The pronunciation with a long /aɪ/ sound (rhyming with 'neither') emerged in the 1400s, while the /iː/ pronunciation (rhyming with 'breather') became standard in modern British English. The sense shifted over time to include 'one or the other,' and by the 1500s it was used in negative contexts as an adverb meaning 'also not.'

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either

either — adverb

1. used after a clause that already says no, to add another negative point. When yo

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

either — determiner

1. referring to one or the other of two available things, people, or possibilities

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

2. both of two things considered together; each one of two. Used especially when ta

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

either — pronoun

1. referring to either of two individuals or items when the specific one is not ide

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

either — adjective

1. relating to both members of a pair, with each one considered on its own side or

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

2. describing a situation where two alternative possibilities exist and either one

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Word family

Synonym discussion

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

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