"both," "either," "neither," "each," and "every"

Question 1

Both

Answer 1

Meaning: Refers to two people or things together.

Usage: Used when talking about two items or people, meaning “the two” or “the pair.”

Examples:
As a determiner: Both cats are sleeping.
As a pronoun: I like both.

Question 2

Either

Answer 2

Meaning: Refers to one of two options, but not both.

Usage: Used when referring to one of two things or people, implying a choice between them.

Examples:
As a determiner: You can take either route to get there.
As a pronoun: Either will do.

Additional rules
Verb Agreement: When “either” is used with a singular noun, it requires a singular verb.

• Example: “Either option is fine.” (Not “are.”)

With Negative Sentences: In negative sentences, “either” is often used after a negative verb to mean “also not.”

• Example: “I don’t like chocolate, and I don’t like vanilla either.”

Either…Or: “Either” is commonly used with “or” to present two alternatives.

• Example: “Either you apologize, or you leave.”

Question 3

Neither

Answer 3

Meaning: Refers to none of the two options.

Usage: Used when you want to say that not one and not the other is true or available.

Examples:
As a determiner: Neither statement is correct.
As a pronoun: Neither of them works.

Additional rules

Verb Agreement: When “neither” is used as a singular subject, it requires a singular verb.

• Example: “Neither answer is correct.” (Not “are.”)

Neither…Nor: “Neither” is often paired with “nor” to connect two negative alternatives.

• Example: “Neither the teacher nor the students were aware of the change.”

Note: When “neither” is followed by two subjects joined by “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject closer to it (the rule of proximity).

• Example: “Neither the manager nor the employees were available.” (Verb agrees with the plural “employees.”)

Question 4

Each

Answer 4

Meaning: Refers to every individual item or person in a group, considered separately.

Usage: Used when focusing on individuals within a group, one at a time.

Examples:
As a determiner: Each student received a certificate.
As a pronoun: Each of them was invited.

Question 5

Either vs. Neither

Answer 5

“Either” is inclusive, offering a choice between two options.

“Neither” is exclusive, rejecting both options.

Either: “You can choose either option.” (One or the other)

Neither: “Neither option is available.” (Not one, not the other)

Conjunctions:
Either…or gives you a choice between two things.
Neither…nor eliminates both options.