What is the Difference Between Either and Neither?

The main difference between "either" and "neither" lies in their meanings and usage. Here's a breakdown of their differences:

• Either:
• Refers to a choice between two options or indicates a link with another statement.
• Can be used as a determiner to mean "one or the other of two people or things" or as a pronoun to mean "one or the other".
• In most cases, "either" is used in a positive manner, when one option will be chosen.
• Examples: "You can either go to the movie or stay at home" and "Which one deserves to win?".
• Neither:
• Means "not either" and is commonly defined as "none of".
• Refers to, or is used as, a determiner to mean "not one or the other of two people or things".
• In most cases, "neither" is used when both options are not acceptable.
• Examples: "I will eat neither chicken nor fish tonight" and "Neither one of the children were well behaved".

Remember that "neither" often combines with "nor" and is used before the first of two options to signal that they are untrue or won't occur, while "either" combines with "or" and is used to indicate the first of two or more options or to indicate a choice.

Comparative Table: Either vs Neither

The main difference between "either" and "neither" is that "either" is used to show a positive choice between two options, while "neither" is used to show a negative choice between two options. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Both "either" and "neither" can be used as connectors or adjectives, and they can also function as the subject or object of a sentence. However, "either" and "or" are used in a positive context, while "neither" and "nor" are used in a negative context.