{"id":24655,"date":"2019-09-20T13:31:05","date_gmt":"2019-09-20T08:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e-gmat.com\/blogs\/?p=24655"},"modified":"2019-09-22T19:52:57","modified_gmt":"2019-09-22T14:22:57","slug":"either-vs-neither","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-gmat.com\/blogs\/either-vs-neither\/","title":{"rendered":"Either vs Neither – GMAT Verbal"},"content":{"rendered":"A <\/span> 2<\/span> min read <\/span><\/span>

Although just one letter makes neither<\/em> different from either<\/em>, the words present almost opposite meanings.<\/p>\n

\"Either<\/p>\n

Either<\/h2>\n

Usage of either <\/em>denotes one of the two actions, things, or persons mentioned in the sentence. For example:<\/p>\n

Simple Example 1<\/h3>\n

Either I will review the project or will supervise the review process<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The above-mentioned sentence conveys that I<\/em> will perform any one of the actions mentioned in the sentence.<\/p>\n

Simple Example 2<\/h3>\n

Either I will review the project or you will<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This example sentence conveys that one of the persons \u2013 I<\/em> or you<\/em> \u2013 will perform the action of reviewing the project.<\/p>\n

Simple Example 3<\/h3>\n

Tia will purchase either a blue dress or a white one. <\/em><\/p>\n

This example sentence conveys that Tia will buy a dress that will either be blue or white.<\/p>\n

Neither<\/h2>\n

The word neither <\/em>is used to denote none of two mentioned actions, persons, or things mentioned in the sentence. For example:<\/p>\n

Simple Example 4<\/h3>\n

Neither will I review the project nor will I supervise the review process<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The above-mentioned sentence conveys that I<\/em> will not perform any of the actions mentioned in the sentence.<\/p>\n

Simple Example 5<\/h3>\n

Neither I will review the project nor you will<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This example sentence conveys that none of the persons \u2013 I<\/em> or you<\/em> \u2013 will perform the action of reviewing the project.<\/p>\n

Simple Example 6<\/h3>\n

Tia will purchase neither a blur dress nor a white one. <\/em><\/p>\n

This example sentence conveys that Tia will buy a dress that will neither be blue nor white.<\/p>\n

Either vs Neither<\/h2>\n

The above-mentioned examples make it clear that while usage of either<\/em> denotes any one of the two mentioned entities, usage of neither<\/em> denotes none of the two mentioned entities. Hence, one must be careful while using these two expressions.<\/p>\n

Takeaways<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Either<\/em> is used to denote one of the two entities mentioned in the sentence<\/li>\n
  2. Neither<\/em> is used to denote none of the two entities mentioned in the sentence<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Further reading<\/h2>\n