Meaning & use

either

determiner·Everyday

Used to refer to one of two people or things, without specifying which one.

See it in a sentence

You can park on either side of the street during the day.

Either answer would be acceptable, since both explanations are technically correct.

A note on using this word

Either takes a singular verb when it is the subject: either option is fine, not either options are fine.

Words with a similar meaning

one or the other

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

neither

Another way to use it

2. conjunction

Used before the first of two alternatives joined by or.

You can either call me tonight or email me in the morning.

3. adverb

Used after a negative statement to mean also.

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

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “either”, then compare your use with the examples above.

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