Both, either, and neither are used when we talk about two people, things, or choices.
Both means the two together. Example: Both answers are correct.
Either means one of the two. It often suggests that each choice is possible. Example: You can sit in either seat.
Neither means not one and not the other. Example: Neither door is open.
A simple way to remember them is this:
- Both = 2
- Either = 1 of 2
- Neither = 0 of 2
Notice the contrast: Both students passed means the two students passed. Either student can go first means one student or the other can go first. Neither student was late means zero students were late.
These words are small, but they are useful because they make choices and comparisons much clearer.