Neither and Either

 

Either refers to one or the other of two options (positive choice), while neither means not one and not the other (negative, meaning none). They are used to talk about two people or things as determiners, pronouns, or conjunctions (either/or, neither/nor). 

 

Key Differences:

• Either (One or the Other): Suggests a choice between two possibilities (e.g., "You can have either tea or coffee").
• Neither (Not One or the Other): Indicates that none of the options are true or accepted (e.g., "Neither dress fits").
• Usage with Verbs: Neither usually takes a singular verb in formal English (e.g., "Neither of them is here").
• Correlative Pairs: Either is paired with or ("Either/or"); Neither is paired with nor ("Neither/nor"). 

Examples:

• Either: "We can go to either restaurant, I don't mind."
• Neither: "Neither candidate is suitable."