Both, Either, and Neither: 2つの法則
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use these words only when talking about exactly two things to show addition, choice, or total rejection.
- Use `both` for two out of two (A + B). Example: 'I like both shirts.'
- Use `either` for one out of two (A or B). Example: 'Either day is fine.'
- Use `neither` for zero out of two (Not A and Not B). Example: 'Neither car works.'
Overview
neither(どちらの)オプションもboth(二人)には合わないってことに気づくんだよね。これは古典的な二者択一の葛藤だね。英語では、ちょうど2つのものを扱うとき、both、either、neitherという専門のツールキットがあるんだ。これらの単語を正しく使うと、正確で自然に聞こえるよ。もし友達が2人しかいないのにallを使うと、意味は通じるけど、ちょっと数えられなくなったみたいに聞こえちゃう。これらの単語は、ペアを扱う「ダイナミック・トリオ」みたいなもの。これらを使えば、ものをまとめたり、選択肢を提示したり、オプションを完全に拒否したりできる。日常会話の論理演算子みたいなものだと考えてみて。LinkedInで2つの仕事のオファーを決めかねているときも、オンラインカートで2足のスニーカーを選んでいるときも、この3つの単語は君の大親友さ。シンプルで、パンチがあって、テキストメッセージやゲーム、気軽なチャットで驚くほどよく使われるんだ。How This Grammar Works
allやany、noneに切り替える必要がある。でも、2つなら? both、either、neitherがその世界を支配するんだ。Bothは「プラス」の記号(+)。AとBの両方を意味する。ペアの100%を指すポジティブな言葉だね。Eitherは「オア」の記号(/)。AかBのどちらかを意味する。選択をするときや、どちらを選んでも問題ない、どちらでもOKだよ、と言うときに使う。Neitherは「マイナス」の記号(-)。AでもなくBでもないことを意味する。両方のオプションを拒否するネガティブな言葉だよ。
both booksのように名詞の前に立つ)、代名詞(I like bothのように単独で使う)、さらには接続詞のペアの一部(neither... norのように)にもなれる。まるで文の中のスイスアーミーナイフみたいだね。Spotifyのプレイリスト(Both of these songs are fire- この曲どっちもヤバい)やUberでの移動中(
Either car is fine, I just need to get home- どっちの車でもいいよ、とにかく家に帰りたいだけだから)なんかで出てくるのを見かけるはず。もし苦戦するなら、2つの箱を思い浮かべてみて。
Bothは2つのチェックマーク、eitherはどちらか1つの箱にチェックマーク、そしてneitherは2つの大きな赤いバツ印。シンプルでしょ?Formation Pattern
Bothについて: 複数形の名詞の直前に置くか(both friends)、ofを使って代名詞や冠詞の前に置く(both of them, both of the apps)。また、both... andを使って2つの特定のものを結びつけることもできる。「I like both pizza and tacos.」(ピザもタコスもboth好きだ)。
Eitherについて: 単数形の名詞の前に置くか(either day is fine)、ofを使って複数形の代名詞や名詞の前に置く(either of these movies)。接続詞のペアはeither... orで、「We can either go out or stay in.」(外出するか、or 家にいるか、eitherかだね)。
Neitherについて: Eitherと同様に、単数形の名詞の前に置くか(neither phone works)、ofを使って複数形の代名詞や名詞の前に置く(neither of my parents)。接続詞のペアはneither... norで、「Neither the red nor the blue one fits me.」(赤いのもnor青いのも、neither僕には合わない)。
Bothは常に複数形の動詞をとる(Both are good)。Eitherとneitherは、単数形の名詞が続く場合は単数形の動詞をとる(Neither phone is charged)。でも、neither of... を使うと、カジュアルな会話では多くのネイティブスピーカーが複数形の動詞を使うんだ(Neither of them are coming)。厳格な文法の先生は単数形の
is を使えって言うかもしれないけどね。
I want both)。
When To Use It
Either is fine」と言える。もし冒険心があって(そしてお腹が空いていたら)、「I'll take both!」と言うかも。もし財布を忘れたことに気づいたら、悲しげに「Neither of those works for me today」と言うかもしれないね。- ソーシャルメディア:
I love
(君の新しい投稿、bothof your new posts!bothとも大好きだよ!) - 仕事・勉強:
(このZoomミーティングの日程、Neitherof these dates for the Zoom meeting works for me.neitherも都合が悪いです。) - ショッピング:
Should I buy the black or the white shirt?
(黒と白のシャツ、どっちを買うべきかな?)
(Eitherlooks great on you.Either(どっち)も似合ってるよ。) - ゲーム:
(Bothteams are playing really well tonight.Both(両)チームとも今夜はすごくいいプレイをしているね。)
neither」と言えばいい。これは、より流暢に、ロボットっぽくなく聞こえるための究極のライフハックだ。それに、Twitter/Xでの文字数も節約できるしね。それこそが本当に優先すべきことだって、みんな知ってるでしょ。Common Mistakes
- 二重否定: これが一番大きな間違い。
Neitherはそれ自体が否定だから、もう一つnotはいらない。「I don't like neither」とは言わないで。それだと実は「少なくともどちらか一方は好き」って意味になっちゃう!「I likeneither」か「I don't likeeither」と言おう。 - Or/Norの混同:
Nのつながりを覚えておこう。Eitherはorと、Neitherはnorとペアになる。NeitherとNorは、いつもパーティーに'N'を持ってくる、気むずかしい双子だと考えてみて。 - 複数形 vs 単数形の名詞:
eitherとneitherの後には、ofを使わないなら単数形の名詞を使う。「Eitherway is fine」であって、「Either ways」じゃないよ。 - 3つ以上のものに使ってしまう: もしシャツが3枚あったら、「both of them are dirty」とは言わない。「all of them」と言うんだ。グループにペアを表す言葉を使うと、変な顔をされるよ。それはまるで、三脚を「a pair of legs(一対の脚)」と呼ぶようなもの。数が合わないんだ。
- 'Of'を伴う主語と動詞の一致: 前述の通り、「Neither of my friends
iscoming」が正式なルール。でもパブで聞くのは「Neither of my friendsarecoming」の方だろうね。あまりストレスを感じすぎないでいいけど、テストのために違いは知っておこう!
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Both vs All:
Bothは2つに対して。Allは3つ以上に対して。簡単な算数だね!「Both my children」と言えば、君に子供が2人いることがわかる。「All my children」と言えば、子だくさんなのか、あるいは昔のメロドラマの話をしているみたいに聞こえる。 - Either vs Any:
Eitherは2つからの選択。Anyはもっと大きなグループからの選択。「Takeeithercookie」(クッキーは2つある)と「Takeanycookie」(クッキーの瓶は一杯だ)。 - Neither vs None:
Neitherは「AでもなくBでもない」。Noneは3つ以上のグループに対して。「Neitherof my eyes」(標準的)。「Noneof my eyes」(もし君がクモじゃないなら、これは変な文だ)。 - Either vs Both: ときどき似ていると感じることがある。「You can sit on
eitherside of the table」は、どちらか一方を選ぶことを意味する。「You can sit onbothsides of the table」は、まるで手品をしようとしているか、君がものすごく幅の広い人みたいに聞こえる。 - Neither vs Not... Either: これらは同じ意味。「I don't like it
either」は「Neitherdo I」と同じ。ただ、2つ目の方が、まるでテキストを打ちながらモノクルをかけているかのように、ちょっとだけ洗練されて聞こえる。
Quick FAQ
bothは単数形の名詞と一緒に使えますか?
だめ。常に複数形を使って。「Both students」であって、「Both student」じゃない。
neither... norはテキストメッセージには堅苦しすぎますか?
ちょっとだけね。テキストメッセージでは、代わりに「I don't like X or Y」って言うことが多いかな。でも、neither... norは強調したいときにはすごくいいよ!
もし3つのものがあったら? either or orと言えますか?
それはなし!「any of these」に切り替えるか、ただリストアップするだけ。「We can do A, B, or C.」みたいに。
Neither of them isと
Neither of them areのどちらが正しいですか?
テストでは「is」が文法的に正解。「are」は話し言葉でとてもよく使われる。上司には「is」を、友達には「are」を使うといいよ。
eitherは both の意味になることがありますか?
ときどきね!「There are trees on either side of the road」は、普通は道の両側に木があることを意味するんだ。英語ってそういう変なところがあるんだよね、ごめん!
返事としてただ Neither とだけ言えますか?
もちろんだよ。誰かに2つのひどい選択肢を与えられたときに、ちょっとドラマチックに答えるのに最高の方法だ。
2. Negative Equivalents
| Structure | Equivalent Negative | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Neither...
|
Not... either
|
I like neither. / I don't like either.
|
|
Neither of...
|
Not... either of
|
Neither of them came. / They didn't either of them come (Rare).
|
Determiner and Pronoun Structures
| Word | Noun Type | Verb Agreement | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Both
|
Plural Noun
|
Plural
|
Both cars are fast.
|
|
Both of
|
the/my + Plural
|
Plural
|
Both of my cars are fast.
|
|
Either
|
Singular Noun
|
Singular
|
Either car is fine.
|
|
Either of
|
the/my + Plural
|
Singular (Formal)
|
Either of the cars is fine.
|
|
Neither
|
Singular Noun
|
Singular
|
Neither car is fast.
|
|
Neither of
|
the/my + Plural
|
Singular (Formal)
|
Neither of the cars is fast.
|
Meanings
These words are used to refer to two people or things. They help clarify if you mean the whole pair, one of the pair, or none of the pair.
Inclusion (Both)
Refers to two things together; the whole pair.
“Both restaurants are very expensive.”
“I have two brothers; both are older than me.”
Choice (Either)
Refers to one or the other of two things; it doesn't matter which.
“You can take either bus; they both go to the center.”
“Either candidate would be a good choice.”
Exclusion (Neither)
Refers to not one and not the other of two things.
“Neither key opened the door.”
“Neither of my parents speaks English.”
Correlative Pairs
Using 'both...and', 'either...or', and 'neither...nor' to connect two parts of a sentence.
“Both the cat and the dog are sleeping.”
“Either you stay or I leave.”
Reference Table
| 言葉 | 機能 | 意味 | 動詞の一致 | 接続詞 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Both
|
限定詞/代名詞/接続詞
|
1つ目と2つ目の両方
|
複数形 (例: `are`, `have`)
|
...and...
|
|
Either
|
限定詞/代名詞/接続詞
|
1つ目か2つ目のどちらか
|
単数形 (例: `is`, `has`)
|
...or...
|
|
Neither
|
限定詞/代名詞/接続詞
|
1つ目でも2つ目でもない
|
単数形 (例: `is`, `has`)
|
...nor...
|
|
Both of
|
代名詞 (複数目的語を伴う)
|
2つのうち2つ
|
複数形
|
N/A
|
|
Either of
|
代名詞 (複数目的語を伴う)
|
2つのうち1つ
|
単数形
|
N/A
|
|
Neither of
|
代名詞 (複数目的語を伴う)
|
2つのうち0
|
単数形
|
N/A
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
Neither option is acceptable to me. (Declining two suggestions)
I don't like either of them. (Declining two suggestions)
Neither for me, thanks. (Declining two suggestions)
Nah, neither's any good. (Declining two suggestions)
2つのルール: Both, Either, Neither
Both(両方)
- This AND That 両方の選択肢が真実である/選ばれる。
- Plural Verb 常に複数動詞をとる(例: 'are', 'have')。
- Both...and... 接続詞のペア。
Either(どちらか)
- This OR That 2つのうちの選択、または1つが真実。
- Singular Verb 通常、単数動詞をとる(例: 'is', 'has')。
- Either...or... 接続詞のペア。
Neither(どちらでもない)
- NOT This AND NOT That 2つの選択肢のうち0が真実である/選ばれる。
- Singular Verb 通常、単数動詞をとる(例: 'is', 'has')。
- Neither...nor... 接続詞のペア。
「Both」「Either」「Neither」の比較
Both, Either, Neitherの選び方
ちょうど2つの物事/人物/選択肢について話していますか?
「これとあれ」(両方が真実である/選ばれる)という意味ですか?
「これかあれ」(1つの選択、または1つが真実)という意味ですか?
「これでもあれでもない」(0が真実である/選ばれる)という意味ですか?
Both, Either, Neitherを使った一般的なフレーズ
肯定的&二者
- • Both of us
- • Both sides
- • Both...and...
選択&代替
- • Either way
- • Either of them
- • Either...or...
否定的&除外
- • Neither of us
- • Neither here nor there
- • Neither...nor...
レベル別の例文
I like both dogs.
I like both dogs.
Either is fine.
Either is fine.
Neither of them is here.
Neither of them is here.
Both my hands are cold.
Both my hands are cold.
Neither of the movies was interesting.
Neither of the movies was interesting.
You can have either tea or coffee.
You can have either tea or coffee.
Both of my parents are teachers.
Both of my parents are teachers.
I don't like either of these shirts.
I don't like either of these shirts.
Neither the manager nor the assistant was available.
Neither the manager nor the assistant was available.
Both the price and the quality are important.
Both the price and the quality are important.
Either you finish your homework or you can't go out.
Either you finish your homework or you can't go out.
I've lived in both London and New York.
I've lived in both London and New York.
Neither of the proposed solutions seems viable at this stage.
Neither of the proposed solutions seems viable at this stage.
The results were both surprising and disappointing.
The results were both surprising and disappointing.
Either the battery is dead or the motor is broken.
Either the battery is dead or the motor is broken.
I found neither of the books particularly helpful.
I found neither of the books particularly helpful.
Neither did she acknowledge her mistake, nor did she apologize.
Neither did she acknowledge her mistake, nor did she apologize.
The policy was both ambitious in scope and rigorous in execution.
The policy was both ambitious in scope and rigorous in execution.
It was a situation where either choice would lead to disaster.
It was a situation where either choice would lead to disaster.
Neither of the witnesses could provide a definitive identification.
Neither of the witnesses could provide a definitive identification.
The duality of the soul is a concept that is both ancient and enduring.
The duality of the soul is a concept that is both ancient and enduring.
Neither the inherent complexity of the task nor the looming deadline deterred him.
Neither the inherent complexity of the task nor the looming deadline deterred him.
One might argue that either interpretation is equally valid given the text's ambiguity.
One might argue that either interpretation is equally valid given the text's ambiguity.
The treaty was neither a total success nor an absolute failure, but a pragmatic compromise.
The treaty was neither a total success nor an absolute failure, but a pragmatic compromise.
間違えやすい
Learners use 'neither' for groups of three or more.
Learners use 'either' when there are many options.
Learners use 'all' for pairs.
よくある間違い
I have three brothers, both are tall.
I have three brothers, all are tall.
I don't want neither.
I want neither / I don't want either.
Both of book are good.
Both books are good.
Either of the book is fine.
Either of the books is fine.
Neither of my parents are here.
Neither of my parents is here.
Either you come or nor I go.
Either you come or I go.
I like both of them shirts.
I like both of those shirts.
Neither the teacher nor the students is happy.
Neither the teacher nor the students are happy.
Neither he spoke nor he moved.
Neither did he speak nor did he move.
文型パターン
Both ___ and ___ are ___.
Neither of the ___ is ___.
You can either ___ or ___.
Neither ___ nor ___ ___.
Real World Usage
I'll have both the soup and the salad, please.
I am comfortable working both independently and in a team.
Either time works for me! See ya.
Neither the mouse nor the keyboard is responding.
Neither of those flights has a window seat available.
Both of these dresses are on sale.
「2つのルール」を覚えておきましょう!
接続詞のペアに注意!
動詞の一致は簡単!
発音は気にしすぎなくて大丈夫!
「both」と否定文
Smart Tips
Always check if you can use 'either' instead of 'any' to sound more precise.
Stick to the singular verb for 'neither of' and 'either of'.
Use 'neither' for negative agreement and 'too' for affirmative agreement.
Remember that 'both of' requires 'the', 'my', 'these', etc., but 'both' alone does not.
発音
The 'Either' Split
There are two correct ways to say 'either' and 'neither'. One starts with an 'EE' sound, the other with an 'EYE' sound.
Choice Intonation
Either tea ↗ or coffee ↘?
Rising intonation on the first option, falling on the second to show a complete list of choices.
暗記しよう
記憶術
BEN: Both (Every one), Either (Either one), Neither (No one).
視覚的連想
Imagine a fork in the road with two paths. Both = you take both (impossible but helpful!), Either = you pick one, Neither = you turn around and go home.
Rhyme
Both is two, Either is one, Neither is zero and then we are done!
Story
Two friends, Ben and Jerry, went to a shop. Both wanted ice cream. Either chocolate or vanilla was fine for Ben. But Jerry had no money, so neither flavor was possible for him.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look at two objects on your desk. Say one sentence using 'both', one using 'either', and one using 'neither' about them.
文化メモ
In the UK, 'EYE-ther' is slightly more common in formal settings, while 'EE-ther' is very common in the US, though both are used in both places.
Saying 'Either is fine' is a very common way to be polite in English-speaking cultures, as it shows you are flexible and easy to please.
In legal documents, 'neither...nor' is used strictly to ensure there is no ambiguity about exclusions.
From Old English 'ba' (both) and 'ægther' (either).
会話のきっかけ
Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Which of these two cities would you rather visit: Tokyo or Paris?
Have you ever had a situation where neither of your choices was good?
In your opinion, is it better to have both a high salary and no free time, or a low salary and lots of free time?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
My parents are ___ very supportive of my career.
Find and fix the mistake:
Neither of the two books are interesting.
正しい文を選んでください:
Translate into English: 'No me gusta ni el café ni el té.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Score: /4
練習問題
8 exercisesI have two sisters. ___ of them are doctors.
I don't like ___ of these two paintings.
Find and fix the mistake:
Neither of the cars are working.
1. Both... 2. Either... 3. Neither...
Tom isn't here and Sarah isn't here.
Either the students or the teacher ___ responsible.
You can have ___ the red one or the blue one, but not both.
I have three friends...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesYou can take ___ the bus or the train to get there.
She can speak neither English or Spanish.
正しい文を選んでください:
Translate: 'Ambos coches son rojos.'
これらの言葉を並べ替えて文を作りましょう:
文の部品をマッチさせましょう:
I have two sisters, and ___ of them live in London.
Either of the two solutions are viable.
正しい文はどれですか?
Translate: '¿Quieres té o café? Cualquiera de los dos está bien.'
これらの言葉を並べ替えて文を作りましょう:
We visited two museums, and ___ of them had interesting exhibits.
Neither my friends or my brother are coming to the concert.
Score: /13
よくある質問 (8)
No, `both` is strictly for two things. For three or more, use `all`.
In formal writing, use `is` (singular). In casual conversation, `are` (plural) is very common and accepted.
Use `either` for a choice between 2 things. Use `any` for a choice between 3 or more things.
Yes! For example: `Neither of us wanted to go.` Just remember not to use a negative verb like `didn't` with it.
Both `EE-ther` and `EYE-ther` are correct. Pick one and be consistent, or use whichever sounds more natural in the moment!
It is a short way to agree with a negative statement. If someone says 'I don't like spinach,' you say `Me neither`.
Use `nor` only when you have already used `neither` earlier in the sentence (e.g., `Neither A nor B`).
No. You can say `both books` or `both of the books`. However, with pronouns, you MUST use 'of': `both of them`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
ambos / tampoco / o...o
Spanish doesn't have a single word that functions exactly like the determiner 'neither' in 'Neither book is good'.
les deux / l'un ou l'autre / ni...ni
French requires 'ne' with 'ni...ni', whereas English 'neither' is used with an affirmative verb.
beide / entweder...oder / weder...noch
German 'beide' can sometimes be used where English would prefer 'the two'.
両方 (ryouhou) / どちらか (dochira ka)
Japanese grammar doesn't distinguish as strictly between 2 and 3+ in its basic quantifiers.
كلاهما (kilahuma)
The dual form is built into the nouns and verbs themselves in Arabic.
两个都 (liǎng gè dōu)
Chinese lacks specific binary-only words like 'either' and 'neither'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
Related Grammar Rules
「私の友人」のルール(二重所有格)
誰かが「He's a friend of my brother's」と言っているのを聞いて、「待って、なんで余分な's'がついてるの?」と思ったことはあ...
No と None: ゼロについて話す
Overview 冷蔵庫を開けます。お腹が空いています。スナックが食べたいです。中を見ます。`no` 食べ物がありません。お腹が鳴って...
Some と Any: 基本的な量の表し方
### Overview 英語学習を始めたばかりの皆さん、物の数量について、正確な数がわからないときにどう話せばいいか、少し難しく感...
All 対 The Whole: 全体について話す
Overview TikTokをスクロールしていて、「午前中ずっと (`all the morning`) これに使っちゃった」と思ったことはありませんか?...
所有形容詞: my, your, his, her, its, our, their
### Overview 英語の学習において、所有格(Possessive Adjectives)である `my`, `your`, `his`, `her`, `its`, `our`, `their`...