Both, Either, Neither

Summary

In this lesson, Teacher Victor explains the use of the connecting words *both*, *either*, and *neither* in English. *Both* is used when two options are correct, typically with positive verbs. *Either* indicates that one of two options is correct, working with both positive and negative verbs. *Neither* means neither option is correct and is often paired with *nor* and used with positive verbs to avoid double negation. Through examples, Victor clarifies the structures and differences in these expressions, making it easier for learners to understand how to connect choices in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Both, either, and neither are expressions used to connect two or more things in English.
• 😀 'Both' is used when both options are correct, and it is typically connected with 'and'.
• 😀 'Either' means that one of the two options is correct, and it works with both positive and negative verbs.
• 😀 'Either' is commonly paired with the word 'or' to present two choices.
• 😀 'Neither' is used to indicate that neither of the two options is correct, and it connects with 'nor'.
• 😀 'Neither' should be used with positive verbs, as it does not work with double negation.
• 😀 Example of 'both': 'I can speak both English and Spanish' – both languages are options.
• 😀 Example of 'either': 'I can speak either English or Spanish' – one of the two options is correct.
• 😀 Example of 'neither': 'I can speak neither French nor Arabic' – neither of these languages is correct.
• 😀 When using 'either' and 'neither', the structure is essential: 'either' connects with 'or', while 'neither' connects with 'nor'.
• 😀 The three expressions – both, either, and neither – help clarify options, choices, and correctness in English sentences.

Q & A

What are 'both', 'either', and 'neither' used for in English?

'Both', 'either', and 'neither' are expressions used to connect two or more things, often related to options or choices. They help convey the relationship between different alternatives.

When do we use 'both' in English?

'Both' is used when referring to two options and stating that both are correct. It is typically connected with a positive verb, meaning that both choices are valid.

What is the structure for using 'both' in a sentence?

The structure for 'both' is: 'both' + [Option A] + 'and' + [Option B]. For example, 'Both Jane and Mark passed the exam.'

Can 'either' be used with positive and negative verbs?

Yes, 'either' can be used with both positive and negative verbs. It indicates that one of the two options is correct, but it doesn't specify which one.

What is the role of 'or' in a sentence with 'either'?

The word 'or' is commonly used with 'either' to connect two options, showing that one of them is correct. For example, 'Either Sue or her sister will attend the meeting.'

What does 'neither' mean, and how is it used?

'Neither' means that none of the two options is correct. It is typically used with positive verbs and is connected with the word 'nor' to form a negative structure.

Why is 'neither' used with positive verbs, even though it conveys a negative meaning?

In English, 'neither' conveys a negative meaning, but it is always used with positive verbs to avoid double negation, which is grammatically incorrect in English.

What is the structure for using 'neither' in a sentence?

The structure for 'neither' is: 'neither' + [Option A] + 'nor' + [Option B]. For example, 'Neither Sue nor her sister has been to the meeting.'

Can you give an example sentence using 'both'?

Sure! 'I can speak both English and Spanish.' This shows that both options, English and Spanish, are correct.

How is 'either' used in a sentence, and what does it mean?

'Either' is used to indicate that one of two options is correct. For example, 'I can speak either English or Spanish,' meaning that either language is correct, but not both.