This document provides rules for using both, neither, and either in sentences. Both is used with and to connect two things, neither is used with nor to negate two things, and either is used with or to offer a choice between two things. Some examples of correct and incorrect usage are given. The document concludes with an exercise matching sentences to the proper conjunction - either/or, both/and, or neither/nor.

2. Here are some rules to remember when using both, neither or either.
Both = this AND that
Either = this OR that
Neither = NOT this and NOT that.
BOTH
Emma and Megan both went to the party.
Both Emma and Megan went to the party
Both of us/them went to the party.
‘Which one do you like?’ I like (them) both!’
"Both of us don't swim regularly." WRONG!
"Neither of us swims regularly." RIGHT
© A ppt by Dulce Rosales

3. We often use neither with 'nor' ( formal) . E.g.
• Neither Caroline nor Marguerite works for El Corte Inglés.
• = Neither of them works for EL Corte Inglés.
• Neither the boy nor the girls are coming.
• Be careful not to use neither with another negative e.g.
I don’t want neither chocolate nor crisps.WRONG !
• I want neither chocolate nor crisps.  RIGHT 
We cannot have a double negative!

4. • Either is used with 'or' e.g.
.
•
•
•
•
Do you want either chocolate or crisps?
Either Tom or George must wash the dishes.
= Either of them/us must wash the dishes.
‘Who’ll do it?’ ‘Either (of them).’
© A ppt by Dulce Rosales

5. • Choose the correct pair (either / or , both / and, neither / nor).
1.
2.
3.
In this game, you __ win __ lose. It depends on you.
A true friend is someone who is_____ caring ____ loving.
___ Sue ___ Sara will help you with your homework. They are both busy
at the moment.
4. _____of them live in Telde.
5. This is my offer. You ___ take it ___ leave it.
6. When I go to the restaurant, I always eat ___ fish ___ roast chicken.
These are my favourite meals.
7. His father believed ___ his son ___ his friend. He thought that both were
lying.
8. I need ___ your help ___ your compassion. I can perfectly handle my
problems all alone.
9. ______ of us is going to the concert.
10. ___ you return the money you had stolen ____ I'll call the police.
11. My mum can ___ read ___ write. She is illiterate.
12. _____Linda _____ Fred like helping their friends. They are really
sympathetic.

6. Answers
1. In this game, you either win or lose. It depends on you.
2. A true friend is someone who is both caring and loving.
3. Neither Sue nor Sara will help you with your homework. They are both
busy at the moment.
4. Both of them live in Telde. [Neither of them live (S) in Telde]
5. This is my offer. You either take it or leave it.
6. When I go to the restaurant, I always eat either fish or roast chiken.
These are my favourite meals.
7. His father believed neither his son nor his friend. He thought that both
were lying.
8. I need neither your help nor your compassion. I can perfectly handle my
problems all alone.
9. Neither of us is going to the concert.
10. Either you return the money you had stolen or I'll call the police.
11. My mum can neither read nor write. She is illiterate
12. Both Linda and Fred like helping their friends
•
© A ppt by Dulce Rosales