Both, either, neither, each and every
Use both, either and neither for two things, and each or every for three or more. Watch the noun and verb forms after each word.
How it works
- Both = the two: Both my parents are teachers. Both of them live in Huế.
- Either = one or the other; neither = not one and not the other: You can sit on either side. Neither answer is correct.
- Either/neither + singular noun (neither option); either of / neither of + the/my/them + plural noun (neither of my brothers).
- Either … or and neither … nor join two choices: Neither Hoa nor her sister came. Neither is already negative: Neither of us knows (not doesn't know).
- Each and every + singular noun and singular verb: Every student has a laptop. Each looks at items one by one; every sees the whole group.
- Each of + plural noun; every one of (not every of): Each of the rooms has a balcony.
- In speech, neither of + plural verb is common (Neither of them are coming); a singular verb is safer in writing.
Examples
Both restaurants serve excellent bún chả.
Neither of my brothers can cook.
You can pay either by card or in cash.
Every room in the hotel has a sea view.
The teacher spoke to each student individually.
Common mistakes
Wrong: Every
studentsmust wear a uniform.Right: Every student must wear a uniform.
Wrong: Neither of them
didn't cometo the party.Right: Neither of them came to the party.
Wrong: Both of the
answerare wrong.Right: Both of the answers are wrong.
Wrong: Every of my friends likes karaoke.
Right: Every one of my friends likes karaoke.
Practice
1 of 16Fill the gap.
Level: EGP Determiners and Pronouns: each and every are A2; both, either and neither (alone and with of) are B1, with either … or / neither … nor controlled by B2. Judged B1 as the core point. Written for Gloss.