Talking about two: both (the two), either (one of two / any of two), neither (none of two); both...and, either...or, neither...nor
I can handle two-item logic with both/either/neither and their paired conjunctions.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Both routes pass the lake, but neither has a petrol station, so fill up now.
Both routes pass the lake, but neither has a petrol station, so fill up now.
We can meet either before the concert or after it - either works for me.
We can meet either before the concert or after it - either works for me.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
The two-things toolkit:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both (+) | the two together | Both answers are right. |
| either | one of the two / each | Take either road. |
| neither | not one, not the other | Neither plan worked. |
Paired: both tea and coffee; either today or tomorrow; neither fast nor cheap. neither already negates - the verb stays positive: Neither of us knows, not *doesn't know. of-forms: both/either/neither of + us/them/the two.
Apply this grammar in B1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesNegative verb after neither
neither carries the negation alone
both beyond two items
Two → both; more → all
Both routes pass the lake, but neither has a petrol station, so fill up now.
Both routes pass the lake, but neither has a petrol station, so fill up now.
both + neither with positive verbs.
We can meet either before the concert or after it - either works for me.
We can meet either before the concert or after it - either works for me.
either...or + standalone either.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B1 course exercises