We can pronounce each of the words either and neither in two different ways:
either: /’i:ðə/ OR /’ʌɪðə/
neither: /’ni:ðə/ OR /’nʌɪðə/
Either pronunciation is acceptable. Neither pronunciation is wrong.
The QUANTIFIERS either and neither are a kind of DETERMINER. We use them to talk about possible choices between two people or things.
When used as a determiner, either and neither must come before a singular countable noun.
either
Either is positive (+). It means “one OR the other” (of two).
- A. Do you want to meet on Monday or Tuesday?
B. Either day is good for me. (Monday is good for me. Tuesday is good for me.) - A. There are two keys here. Which will open the office?
B. I believe either key works.
neither
Neither is negative (-). It means “not one AND not the other” (of two).
Neither player was allowed to return to the game after the argument.
Neither team scored and the game was a draw. (Team A didn’t score. Team B didn’t score.)
