both vs either

The phrases 'both' and 'either' have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'Both' is used when referring to two items or people together, while 'either' is used when referring to one of two items or people. They are not interchangeable.

Last updated: March 17, 2024 • 1050 views

both

The word 'both' is correct and commonly used in English when referring to two items or people together.

Use 'both' when you are talking about two items or people together. It emphasizes that the two things are considered together.

Examples:

I like both chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
Both Sarah and John are coming to the party.

Alternatives:

together
as well
in addition
along with
simultaneously

either

The word 'either' is correct and commonly used in English when referring to one of two items or people.

Use 'either' when you are talking about one of two items or people. It indicates a choice between two options.

Examples:

You can have either tea or coffee.
Either Sarah or John will pick you up.

Show examples from the web [+]

Development ministers are not that unproblematic either.
It certainly does nothing either for future EU-US cooperation.
That cannot be described as more Europe either.
We cannot remain indifferent to that situation either.
But Europe cannot work either without strong leadership.
No photos for our funeral either.
However, we cannot disregard past mistakes either.
Not comfortable with that either so...
Mine has nothing to do with him either.
Hasn't exactly been a trip to Disneyland for us, either.
I've never killed one, either.
So either up the testosterone or quit whining.
Which means either Ziva really upset someone or...
Consequently I cannot accept the amendment of Mrs Auroi either.
All rulers are either butchers or meat.
Although that wasn't much fun either.
If you can't substantiate either agricultural...
We are not funding that adequately either.
It must either be concluded or be considerably redefined.
We don't, or give enough either.

Alternatives:

one or the other
any
whichever
each
any one

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both vs either

both

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