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Meaning & use

either of

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈaɪðər əv/
US/ˈiːðər əv/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    one or the other of two people or things, when you are choosing or asking about them separately

    Grammar: 'Either of' is followed by a plural noun phrase or a plural pronoun: either of the answers, either of them. The verb can be singular or plural.

    Patterns

    • either of + plural noun
    • either of + pronoun
    • either of + possessive + plural noun

    You can take either of the two routes to the airport.

    I didn't like either of the options they offered.

    Either of my brothers can help you move the furniture.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    used in negative sentences to mean 'neither of' or 'not one and not the other of'

    Grammar: In negative sentences, 'either of' means 'not one and not the other'. It often comes after 'not' or 'never'.

    Patterns

    • not either of + plural noun
    • never either of + plural noun

    She hasn't seen either of her parents since last year.

    I don't think either of these books is worth reading.

    He never mentioned either of the two meetings.

Common combinations

either of them
I don't know either of them well.
either of the two
Either of the two answers is acceptable.
either of us
Either of us can drive you home.
either of you
Did either of you see what happened?
either of these
Either of these dresses would suit you.

Synonyms and how they differ

one of the two
Means the same but is not restricted to a choice between two; it simply picks one from a pair.
whichever
Used when the choice is open, not limited to two; 'either of' is specifically for two.

Opposites

neither ofboth of

Commonly confused: either of or either ... or? either of or neither of?

either of vs either ... or

'Either ... or' connects two alternatives in a sentence (either tea or coffee), while 'either of' comes before a plural noun phrase (either of the drinks).

either of vs neither of

'Neither of' means 'not one and not the other'; 'either of' in a negative sentence can also mean the same, but in positive sentences it means 'one or the other'.

Practice

_____ of the two candidates impressed the interviewer.

Make it your own

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