Both, Either, Neither
These words talk about two things. 'Both' means the two together, 'either' means one or the other, and 'neither' means not one and not the other.
Level B1
Articles
Summary
- These words talk about two things. 'Both' means the two together, 'either' means one or the other, and 'neither' means not one and not the other.
Structure
both + plural | either/neither + singular noun
Examples
- Both answers are correct.
- You can take either road; they both lead to town.
- Neither option appeals to me.
- I like both of these jackets.
Common mistakes
- • Saying 'neither answers are' instead of 'neither answer is' — neither is singular.
- • Using a negative with 'neither', e.g. 'I don't like neither' instead of 'I like neither'.
More articles
A / An (Indefinite Article)
A1
Use 'a' or 'an' before singular countable nouns when you mention something for the first time or talk about it in a general, non-specific way. Use 'a' before a consonant sound and 'an' before a vowel sound.
The (Definite Article)
A2
Use 'the' when it is clear which specific thing you mean — because it was already mentioned, is unique, or is known from the situation.
Zero Article (No Article)
A2
Use no article with plural and uncountable nouns when talking generally, and with most names of people, countries, meals, languages, and abstract ideas.
Much, Many, A Lot Of
A2
Use 'many' with countable nouns and 'much' with uncountable nouns, usually in questions and negatives. 'A lot of' works with both and is common in positive statements.
A Few and A Little
A2
'A few' means a small but positive amount with countable nouns; 'a little' does the same for uncountable nouns. Without 'a', 'few' and 'little' sound more negative.
All, Every, Each
B1
'All' refers to a whole group together; 'every' and 'each' look at members one by one. 'Every' takes a singular noun and a singular verb, as does 'each'.