either
either — adverb
1. used after a clause that already says no, to add another negative point. When yo
used after a clause that already says no, to add another negative point. When you have said that something is not the case, adding "either" tells the listener that the same is true for a second thing or person.
I don't like heavy metal music, and I don't like rap either.
not + [noun phrase] + and + not + [noun phrase] + either
Jude hasn't finished his science project, and his partner hasn't either.
The apartment was too small, and the rent wasn't cheap either.
Yael said she can't attend the meeting, and Faisal can't come either.
The train was delayed, and the platform staff couldn't tell us why either.
文法句型
not + [verb phrase] + either
用法筆記
Used at the end of a clause, not at the beginning. For positive sentences, use "too" or "also" instead.
常見錯誤
either — determiner
1. referring to one or the other of two available things, people, or possibilities
referring to one or the other of two available things, people, or possibilities — without specifying which one, because the choice does not matter or both are acceptable.
You can take either train — they both arrive at the same station.
either + [singular noun] meaning it does not matter which
Faisal said he would be happy with either paint color for the bedroom.
Either parent can sign the permission slip for the school trip.
The café serves either soup or salad with every lunch order.
Darius can wear either suit to the wedding — both fit him well.
- one or the other of
more explanatory but less compact
- any
'any' is used with three or more options; 'either' is only for two
文法句型
either + [singular noun]
either + [singular noun] + or + [singular noun]
用法筆記
The noun after 'either' is always singular, even when two options are being discussed. 'Either side' means one of the two sides.
常見錯誤
2. both of two things considered together; each one of two. Used especially when ta
both of two things considered together; each one of two. Used especially when talking about two sides, ends, or positions that form a pair.
There are cherry trees planted on either side of the driveway.
either + side to mean both sides
The bedroom has a reading lamp at either end of the bed.
Anong carried a shopping bag in either hand as she left the market.
The long table had place settings on either side for twelve guests.
Jin tied a ribbon around either end of the gift box.
文法句型
either + [singular noun indicating a pair]
用法筆記
Frequently used with nouns that naturally come in pairs (side, end, hand, bank, shore). Unlike sense 1, this sense does NOT involve choosing between options — it means 'both'.
常見錯誤
either — pronoun
1. referring to either of two individuals or items when the specific one is not ide
referring to either of two individuals or items when the specific one is not identified. Used when the exact choice does not affect the meaning or outcome.
Either of the two buses will take you to the train station.
either of + [plural noun] with singular verb
I'm not sure either of the candidates has enough experience for the job.
Jabari asked his neighbours if either of them had seen his cat.
You can borrow either of my coats — the blue one or the grey one.
The nurse said either of the two medications would help with the pain.
- one of the two
more explicit but less natural in most contexts
- any of the two
informal; 'any' is better for more than two
- neither
none of the two; the negative counterpart
文法句型
either of + [plural noun phrase]
用法筆記
The verb after 'either of + plural noun' is usually singular in formal English ('either of them is') but often plural in informal speech ('either of them are').
常見錯誤
either — adjective
1. relating to both members of a pair, with each one considered on its own side or
relating to both members of a pair, with each one considered on its own side or position. Points to the fact that something happens or is present at both ends or both sides.
The garden fence runs along either boundary of the property.
either + boundary = both boundaries, one on each side
A tall lamp stood at either corner of the writing desk.
Élise placed a small vase on either shelf of the bookcase.
Stone pillars marked either entrance to the old courtyard.
The treaty was signed by the leader of either nation at the summit.
文法句型
either + [singular noun]
用法筆記
Overlaps with the determiner 'each of two' sense (determiner/2). The adjective use often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone and emphasises the individual members of the pair.
常見錯誤
2. describing a situation where two alternative possibilities exist and either one
describing a situation where two alternative possibilities exist and either one could be true or valid, without selecting between them.
The contract can be signed under either set of terms agreed last week.
either set of terms = one of the two possible sets
Either outcome of the vote would bring significant changes to the policy.
The job offer includes either salary package, depending on the location.
Jin assured us that either plan would work well for the project deadline.
The university offers either degree path — the three-year or the four-year option.
文法句型
either + [singular noun]
用法筆記
Distinguish from determiner/1 (ANY ONE OF TWO): the adjective sense places more emphasis on the noun being described (the outcome, the set, the plan) and less on the act of choosing between options. The determiner sense is more common in everyday conversation.