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（两个都不）个选项能同时满足 both（两个都）个人的需求。这就是经典的二元对立难题。在英语里，当我们处理恰好两个事物时，我们有一套专门的词汇工具箱：both、either 和 neither。正确使用这些词会让你听起来精准又自然。如果你只有两个朋友却用了 all，大家虽然能听懂，但听起来有点像你忘了怎么数数。这些词是成对词中的“活力三人组”。它们帮你把事物归类、提供选择，或者完全拒绝选项。把它们想象成你日常对话中的逻辑运算符。无论是在 LinkedIn 上决定两个工作机会，还是在购物车里挑两双运动鞋，这三个词都是你最好的朋友。它们简单、有力，而且在发短信、打游戏和闲聊中超级常见。How This Grammar Works
all、any 或 none。但对于两个？那是 Both、either 和 neither 的天下。Both是“加号” (+)。意思是 A 和 B 在一起。这是一个肯定词，用于那对组合的 100%。Either是“或者”符号 (/)。意思是 A 或者 B。它关乎选择，或者表示你挑哪个都行，因为两个都可以接受。Neither是“减号” (-)。意思是既不是 A 也不是 B。这是一个否定词，把两个选项都否定了。
both books），代词（单独使用，像 I like both），甚至是连词对的一部分（像 neither... nor）。它就像你句子里的瑞士军刀。你会看到它们出现在 Spotify 歌单里（“Both of these songs are fire”——这两首歌都超火）和 Uber 行程中（“Either car is fine, I just need to get home”——哪辆车都行，我只需要回家）。如果你觉得自己搞混了，就想象两个盒子。Both 是两个勾，either 是其中一个盒子里有一个勾，而 neither 是两个大红叉。简单吧？
Formation Pattern
Both：直接用在复数名词前（both friends）或者加 of 用在代词/冠词前（both of them，both of the apps）。你也可以用 both... and 来连接两个具体的事物：“I like both pizza and tacos.”
Either：用在单数名词前（either day is fine）或者加 of 用在复数代词/名词前（either of these movies）。连词对是 either... or：“We can either go out or stay in.”
Neither：像 either 一样，用在单数名词前（neither phone works）或者加 of 用在复数代词/名词前（neither of my parents）。连词对是 neither... nor：“Neither the red nor the blue one fits me.”
Both 总是接复数动词（Both are good）。Either 和 neither 后面接单数名词时，接单数动词（Neither phone is charged）。然而，当你使用 neither of... 时，很多母语者在日常口语中会用复数动词（“Neither of them are coming”），尽管你那严格的语法老师可能会坚持用单数 is。
When To Use It
Either is fine.” 或者，如果你感觉想冒险（而且很饿），“I'll take both!” 如果你意识到忘了带钱包，你可能会伤心地说，“Neither of those works for me today.”- Social Media: “I love
bothof your new posts!” - Work/Study: “
Neitherof these dates for the Zoom meeting works for me.” - Shopping: “Should I buy the black or the white shirt?” “
Eitherlooks great on you.” - Gaming: “
Bothteams are playing really well tonight.”
neither”。这是让你听起来更流利、更不像机器人的终极生活秘诀。而且，它还能帮你节省 Twitter/X 上的字符空间，我们都知道这才是真正的重点。
Common Mistakes
- The Double Negative: 这是个大问题。
Neither已经是否定的了。你不需要再加一个not。不要说 "I don't like neither«。这其实意味着你至少喜欢一个！要说 »I likeneither« 或者 »I don't likeeither"。 - Mixing up Or/Nor: 记住
N的联系。Either搭配or，而Neither搭配nor。把Neither和Nor想象成总是带着自己的 'N' 参加派对的暴躁双胞胎。 - Plural vs Singular Nouns: 在
either和neither之后，如果你不用of，就用单数名词。要说 “Eitherway is fine”，而不是 “Either ways”。 - Using them for 3+ items: 如果你有三件衬衫，不要说 “both of them are dirty”。要说 “all of them”。如果你对群体使用成对词，大家会奇怪地看着你。这就像把三脚架叫作 “pair of legs”（一双腿）。这完全说不通。
- Subject-Verb Agreement with 'Of': 正如前面提到的，“Neither of my friends
iscoming” 是正式规则。“Neither of my friendsarecoming” 是你在酒吧会听到的说法。别太有压力，但为了考试要知道这个区别！
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Both vs All:
Both用于 2 个。All用于 3 个或更多。简单的数学题！如果你说 “Both my children”，我知道你有两个孩子。如果你说 “All my children”，你要么是很多孩子的父母，要么是在聊一部老式肥皂剧。 - Either vs Any:
Either是在 2 个之间选择。Any是从更大的群体中选择。“Takeeithercookie”（只有两块）。“Takeanycookie”（罐子是满的）。 - Neither vs None:
Neither是“不是 A 也不是 B”。None是用于 3 个或更多的群体。“Neitherof my eyes”（标准说法）。“Noneof my eyes”（除非你是只蜘蛛，否则这句子很怪）。 - Either vs Both: 有时候它们感觉很像。“You can sit on
eitherside of the table” 意味着你挑一边坐。“You can sit onbothsides of the table” 听起来像你在试着表演魔术，或者你非常非常宽。 - Neither vs Not... Either: 它们意思一样。“I don't like it
either” 和 “Neitherdo I” 是一样的。第二种听起来稍微高大上一点，就像你一边发短信一边戴着单片眼镜。
Quick FAQ
Can I use both with a singular noun?
不行，永远用复数。“Both students”，绝不要用 “Both student”。
Is neither... nor too formal for texting?
有一点点。发短信时，人们通常会说 “I don't like X or Y”。但是 neither... nor 用来表示强调非常棒！
What if I have three things? Can I say either or or?
不行！换成 “any of these” 或者直接列出来：“We can do A, B, or C.”
Is it
Neither of them isor
Neither of them are?
“Is” 在考试中是语法正确的。“Are” 在口语英语中非常常见。对老板用 “is”，对朋友用 “are”。
Can either mean both?
有时候可以！“There are trees on either side of the road” 通常意味着路的两边都有树。英语就是这么奇怪，抱歉啦！
Can I just say Neither as a full answer?
当然。当某人给你两个糟糕的选择时，这是一种稍微带点戏剧性的绝佳回答方式。
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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Both)
|
Both + Noun + And + Noun
|
Both Sarah and Tom are here.
|
|
Choice (Either)
|
Either + Noun + Or + Noun
|
Either Sarah or Tom is here.
|
|
Negative (Neither)
|
Neither + Noun + Nor + Noun
|
Neither Sarah nor Tom is here.
|
|
Pronoun (Both)
|
Both of + Pronoun
|
Both of them are here.
|
|
Pronoun (Either)
|
Either of + Pronoun
|
Either of them is fine.
|
|
Pronoun (Neither)
|
Neither of + Pronoun
|
Neither of them is here.
|
|
Short Answer
|
Me neither / Me either
|
A: I don't like it. B: Me neither.
|
正式程度
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)
The Rule of Two Map
Both
- A + B Inclusion
Either
- A or B Choice
Neither
- Not A + Not B Exclusion
Both vs. Either vs. Neither
Which one should I use?
Are there exactly 2 things?
Do you want both of them?
Do you want one or the other?
Grammar Match
Conjunctions
- • Both...and
- • Either...or
- • Neither...nor
按水平分级的例句
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.
容易混淆
Learners use 'neither' for groups of three or more.
Learners use 'either' when there are many options.
Learners use 'all' for pairs.
常见错误
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.
句型
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.
The 'Of' Rule
Double Negatives
Verb Agreement
Polite Indecision
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.
发音
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
BEN: Both (Every one), Either (Either one), Neither (No one).
视觉联想
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
挑战
Look at two objects on your desk. Say one sentence using 'both', one using 'either', and one using 'neither' about them.
文化笔记
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).
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
I 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.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
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
练习题
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.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate: 'Ambos coches son rojos.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the sentence parts:
I have two sisters, and ___ of them live in London.
Either of the two solutions are viable.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate: '¿Quieres té o café? Cualquiera de los dos está bien.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
We visited two museums, and ___ of them had interesting exhibits.
Neither my friends or my brother are coming to the concert.
Score: /13
常见问题 (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
相关视频
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