A1/A2 English - Either/Neither/Both
Do you want 1, 2 or 0. Take a look at this grammar lesson to talk about how many things you want, when you have 2 options.
Discover essential A1/A2 English grammar principles on this page, tailored for beginners seeking a solid foundation in language learning
Both
We use the word ‘both’, when we want to have the 2 options that are presented.
Do you want chocolate or ice cream?
I want both.
Means you want chocolate and ice cream.
If the 2 options are not clear we can say the 2, after the word both – Both A and B
Both Jack and Paul are studying English
If the nouns of the 2 options are the same, we only need to say it once – Both of the (plural noun):
Both of the students are in the class
Both of the restaurants are good
When the noun is already implied, we can put both in the middle of the sentence, before the verb or adjective
They both play football
They were both so happy today.
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Other info
Either
We use either when we want one of 2 options, but it is not decided on which yet.
Do you want chicken or pizza?
Either is okay.
Means you don’t mind eating chicken or pizza. (Both is also possibility)
Do you want either chicken or pizza?
Either is okay.
This is the same but now, as either is in the question, both is not a possibility as you have restricted the options to 1.
If the 2 options are not clear, we can say the 2, after the word both – either A or B is
Either John or Sarah is working today
If the nouns of the 2 options are the same, we only need to say it once – Either of the (plural noun):
Either of the restaurants is fine.
Either of the cars are great
When using an object pronoun, we remove the ‘the’.
Either of them are fine.
Either of those will be great
Neither
We use neither when we want none of 2 options,
Do you want chicken or pizza?
Neither
If the 2 options are not clear, we can say the 2, after the word both – Neither A nor B are
Neither John nor Sarah are working today
If the nouns of the 2 options are the same, we only need to say it once – Neither of the (plural noun) are:
Neither of the main courses look good.
Neither of the sports look fun
When using an object pronoun, we remove the ‘the’.
Neither of them are interesting.
Nither of those are used.
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