Use of Either and Neither, Either Or Neither Nor in English | Learn English Grammar in Hindi | Awal

Summary

This video lesson explains the usage of 'either' and 'neither' in English, covering various contexts where these words can be used. It demonstrates how to use 'either' to present two options, 'neither' for negating both, and how these words can be adapted for singular and plural subjects. Examples include choosing between two options, negating choices, and expressing preferences. The lesson also clarifies common mistakes, such as the use of 'also' and 'too' in affirmative and negative sentences, and how to properly respond using 'either' and 'neither.' Overall, it provides essential tips for mastering these terms in everyday conversation.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Either… or…' is used in English to present two options or possibilities, similar to Hindi 'या तो… या…'.
• 😀 When using 'either… or…', focus on the part of the sentence with the verb to determine correct singular or plural usage.
• 😀 'Neither… nor…' is used to express that none of the options apply, equivalent to Hindi 'ना… ना…'.
• 😀 'Either' and 'neither' can be shortened in sentences, e.g., 'I can either sing or dance' can be shortened to 'I can either sing or dance'.
• 😀 'Either' can be used for singular or plural nouns depending on the context: one of two items (singular) or one among many (plural).
• 😀 'Either of' and 'neither of' are used when specifying a particular group of people or things, often with plural nouns.
• 😀 When responding to positive statements, use 'also' or 'too' to show agreement; for negative statements, use 'either' instead of 'also' or 'too'.
• 😀 'Either' is used when one of two options is correct or possible; 'neither' is used when none of the options are correct or applicable.
• 😀 In conversations, 'either' can also express that any one option out of many is acceptable, while 'any' is used for more than two options.
• 😀 Proper positioning of helping verbs with 'neither' is important in negative sentences to maintain correct English grammar.

Q & A

What is the difference between 'either' and 'neither' in English?

'Either' is used when you are talking about two options and you mean 'one of the two' or 'any one of them'. 'Neither' is used to express the idea of 'none of the two' or 'not either'.

How do you use 'either' in a sentence?

'Either' is used to indicate one choice from two options. For example, 'I will either come myself or send someone.' It can also be used to show that you have two options to choose from, as in 'You can use either washroom.'

How is 'neither' used in negative sentences?

'Neither' is used when you want to say that none of the options or choices is true. For example, 'Neither the pen is working nor the pencil.' It is used to connect two negative ideas.

What is the rule when choosing between 'is' and 'are' in sentences with 'either' or 'neither'?

When you use 'either' or 'neither' with two subjects, the verb depends on whether the noun is singular or plural. If the sentence refers to a singular subject, use 'is'. If it refers to a plural subject, use 'are'. For example, 'Either Pankaj or Raju is in the room.'

What is the difference between 'either' and 'any' when talking about options?

'Either' refers to one choice between two options, while 'any' is used when referring to more than two options. For example, 'Choose either watch.' (for two options) vs 'Choose any watch.' (for more than two options).

How can 'neither' be used with pronouns?

'Neither' can be used with pronouns like 'he', 'she', 'they', etc., to indicate that none of the subjects is true. For example, 'Neither of us is hungry,' or 'Neither of them is available today.'

How is 'either' used with two negative ideas?

When using 'either' with two negative ideas, it means that neither of the two choices is correct. For example, 'Neither Pankaj nor Raju is in the room.'

Can 'either' and 'neither' be used with plural subjects?

Yes, both 'either' and 'neither' can be used with plural subjects. For example, 'Either of the two rooms is clean,' and 'Neither of the two doctors is available today.'

What happens when using 'neither' with verbs?

When using 'neither' in a sentence, you do not need an additional 'not' in the verb, because 'neither' already carries the negative meaning. For example, 'Neither the pen is working,' not 'Neither the pen is not working.'

How would you use 'either' and 'neither' in response to negative statements?

When responding to negative statements, 'either' and 'neither' can be used. For example, in response to 'I don't love you,' you can say 'I don't love you either.' Or, 'I am not hungry' can be followed by 'I am not hungry either.'