This ultimate guide gives you a detailed look at differences and example sentences of ‘either or’ vs ‘neither nor’ and how to correctly use them to avoid further confusion.
In the following blog, we will be discussing how either-or and neither-nor can be used in sentences differently and how the sentences change the formation without changing the meaning of it.
Rules of Using Either Or and Neither Nor
The first and foremost thing is to know that ‘either’ is only paired with ‘or’ and ‘neither’ is only paired with ‘nor’. This is the English grammar rule and if you try to mismatch it, then the sentences would not be appropriate.
- ‘Either’ is always used there is a comparison between two ideas, and only one of the ideas will be cleared.
- Either/or should always be used in a sentence in the affirmative sense when you are referring to a choice between two possibilities.
- The word ‘Neither’ signifies that the two ideas or sentences are linked together. It’s sort of like negative conjunction in a sentence. But you will have to always make sure that if you are using ‘neither’, then your sentence should not have any other negatives preceding it. If you sometime prefer to use a negative, then you want to use either.
- Neither / nor should always be used in a sentence in the negative sense when you want to say that two or more things are not true in a sentence.
Let’s start by understanding the example given below:
- “I am afraid of man nor beast!” Rosh proclaimed as Joe stared at the python coiled on the branch over his head. (This is a wrong statement.)
- “I am afraid of neither man nor beast!” Rosh proclaimed as Joe stared at the python coiled on the branch over his head. (Now this one is Right!)
Sentence Examples of Either-or and Neither-nor
Let’s see some sentence examples to understand the proper use of ‘neither-nor’ and ‘either-or’.
- “Well,” said Joe to Marie, “either you start fearing, or you are camping by yourself.”
- Once we have understood the usage of ‘either-or’, its time to learn about ‘neither-nor’.
- You can either eat now or after the party – it’s up to you.
- Joe had seen neither the snake nor the wasp’s nest on the first tree and was preparing to stake his tarp in that less-than-safe location.
- Joe had not seen either the snake or the wasp’s nest on the first tree and was preparing to stake his tarp in that less-than-safe location.
- Neither my mother nor my father went to university for higher studies.
As you can see English grammar may seem to be daunting sometime, but learning to understand it and use it appropriately is incredibly rewarding. You are always free to make mistakes and keep learning from new things and the previous mistakes you made. You should never be afraid to make mistakes as you practice
English as this is the best way to learn! If you’re determined and committed to tackling grammar, it can be an absorbing and even exciting aspect of learning a new language.