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Both, either, neither, all, none
B1 B1 grammar · lesson 19 of 23
These words help you talk about groups: two people, two choices, or more. They are useful when you compare, choose or agree.
For two things: both, either, neither
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both | the two together (A + B) | Both restaurants are good. |
| either | one or the other (A or B) | You can sit in either chair. |
| neither | not one and not the other (not A, not B) | Neither answer is correct. |
Both takes a plural noun and a plural verb. Either and neither take a singular noun. We can also use these words alone, without a noun, when the meaning is clear: «Which one do you want?» «Both, please!»
With of
Before the, my, these or a pronoun, use of: both of the books, either of them, neither of us. With both you can leave out of before a noun: both (of) my sisters.
Pairs: both… and, either… or, neither… nor
Both Anna and Tom work in a bank.
We can go either by train or by bus.
Neither Ken nor his wife speaks French.
Both of my parents are teachers.
«Tea or coffee?» «Either is fine, thanks.»
Neither of the hotels had a free room.
For three or more: all, none
All means every one in a group of three or more. None means not one of them. We usually say none of + the/my/them… Like neither, none is already negative, so the verb is positive: None of us knew.
All my friends came to the party.
None of the students knew the answer.
I’ve read all of them, but none of them was very good.
After neither of and none of, the verb is usually singular in careful English, but a plural verb is also common in speaking.
Common mistakes
✗ Both of restaurant are expensive.
✓ Both of the restaurants are expensive.
✗ Neither of my brothers doesn’t drive.
✓ Neither of my brothers drives.
✗ I have three cousins, but neither of them lives here.
✓ I have three cousins, but none of them lives here.