Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. How do I know when to use 'either/or' and when to use 'neither/nor'? Already registered? In both sentences using the correlative conjunction pairs 'either/or' and 'neither/nor', if either of the choices is plural, then the plural form of the verb will be used. Neither/nor is used when the choice is negative or the person wants to say that more than one thing is not true. ; Neither he nor his dad is good at driving. After years of only using ... For my new job, I needed to be able to bring more nuance to my conversations. Either he or his wife may attend the function. Let's review the relationship between "either" and "or," and "neither" and "nor." In the following sentence, which form of the verb 'fits' or 'fit' would you use? 1. I don’t like either Stephen or Peter. Either/or and neither/nor. 94 examples: Goods that are neither consumed nor placed into this technology will perish… When using either/or and neither/nor, be sure to maintain subject-verb agreement. All rights reserved. Neither of + (the) plural noun Example: Holly said that neither of the movies were good. end. – used together to offer a choice between two things. - Definition & Examples, Simple Past Tense: Rules, Uses & Practice, EPT: CSU English Language Arts Placement Exam, 12th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, AP English Language: Homework Help Resource, DSST Technical Writing: Study Guide & Test Prep, 12th Grade English Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, HiSET Language Arts - Writing: Prep and Practice, HiSET Language Arts - Reading: Prep and Practice, Common Core History & Social Studies Grades 11-12: Literacy Standards, Accuplacer ESL Reading Skills Test: Practice & Study Guide, Accuplacer ESL Listening Test: Practice & Study Guide. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree, What Are Correlative Conjunctions? In all instances where either and neither are used as pronouns, the sentence structure will be as follows: After either/neither comes of + noun phrase. Neither of + (the) plural noun Example: Holly said that neither of the movies were good. ), they are placed before the noun. Examples of Correlative Conjunction Pairs. We will also learn about subject/verb agreement when making these comparisons. This book is neither interesting nor useful. journalist could finish their articles, as there wasn’t enough time. Their language, which is neither monosyllabic nor tonic, has nothing in common with that of the MonAnnam group. Kerry has been a teacher and an administrator for more than twenty years. Neither Charles nor Benjamin was present there. 6. Neither/nor – when they are used together, they negate both parts of the statement. The opposite—though also correct—would be, "Either the twins or Jennifer is going to be here first." Boost your business English skills in 6 days. He has a master's degree in literature and a doctorate in education. Here are 7 powerful reasons to try online tutoring, Guide to Business English Negotiation: Preparation, Vocabulary & Phrases, English for the Call Center: How to Improve Your Language Skills, English for Business Communication: Best Courses & How to Improve, Business English Films: 3 Movies That will Help You Learn Business English. For example, “Sandy does not play either football or cricket.” Anyone can earn " They have neither red nor white wine at this restaurant. " I used to like playing bothfootball andbasketball when I was young. are used as conjunctions, they are used together with the words. A “nor” usually follows a “neither” when they're used in the same sentence (1). While “either…or” pairs up two positive options, “neither…nor” pairs up two negative options. Let’s look at how to use these words in English correctly. courses that prepare you to earn " No one brought neither forks nor spoons on the camping trip. " To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. 's' : ''}}. Neither my mother nor my father went to university. Neither Peter nor his parents were aware of this. 8) (Example) I have seen neither Field of Dreams nor Home Alone nor Alien nor From Here to Eternity. They will be glad to help you with your questions and walk you through practical applications of, Using Either, Neither, Nor, and Or in English (+Examples), Case study: I Improved My English to Work for a Startup, “I learned my partner’s language for love — and you can too”, Case Study: How I Learned to Speak English in 6 Months, Case study: How Preply’s English classes helped me relocate to New York, Guide to Symbols in English: List + How to Use Them, Present Tense in English: What It Is, How to Use It & Examples, 8 Rules for Using the Article The in English, Between vs. Marc is a long-time HS English teacher and has taught at the college level. You can do this by making sure that the verb and the noun that is closest to the verb agree with each other. He neither came nor called. study (Using "has" is correct. 3) When I was young, I wanted to be either a fire fighter or a police officer. Any bread, either white or brown, will do. Neither the musicians nor the conductor is ready for the performance. For example: Get access risk-free for 30 days, are used as pronouns, the sentence structure will be as follows: Both these roads go to Rome so that you can go. Correlative conjunctions connect elements that correlate to each other.. Subject-verb agreement becomes complicated with some of the correlative conjunctions. 5. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 83,000 Do you still have doubts about how to use these phrases? Example sentences: " Neither chicken nor steak are available. " Neither Norway nor Switzerland is in the European Union. He neither attends the class regularly nor learns his lessons. For example, you might say, “I like neither hot dogs nor mustard.” You may also use “nor” if you’re talking about more than two items, but you must repeat “nor” after each element (2). – when they are used together, they negate both parts of the statement. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. 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When a clause with neither or nor is used after a negative clause, we invert the subject and the verb after neither and nor: He hadn’t done any homework, neither … Unlike an adjective, they do not tell us about the properties of the object, but merely indicate whether a known or unknown object is being spoken, all or a part of it, or indicate its quantity or its absence. Log in here for access. neither/nor. First, "either" and "or" are always paired together and "neither" and "nor" are always paired together—that is to say, we would never pair either/nor or neither/or. 'Neither/nor' is used when two options are invalid. If both choices are singular, the verb will also be singular. just create an account. Neither the dog nor the cats want to go out in this heat. Examples: (1) “Jack has been to neither Canada nor the United States.” (2) “Jack has been to neither (of the countries).” (3) There is no negative for neither. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? She is neither beautiful nor intelligent. Either the clerk or the secretary has the keys to the safe. 4. 4. (Wrong. A horse is neither better nor worse for his trappings. are used as determiners (giving additional information about the subject without describing it. Quiz & Worksheet - What are Moral Relations? Either and neither can be used in several ways: adverbs, determiners, pronouns and conjunctions. You can find a tutor here. Very Patient, Relevant and culturally aware with a lot of International Experience, Certified English teacher with over 10 years experience. 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Biology Lesson Plans: Physiology, Mitosis, Metric System Video Lessons, Lesson Plan Design Courses and Classes Overview, Online Typing Class, Lesson and Course Overviews, Airport Ramp Agent: Salary, Duties and Requirements, Personality Disorder Crime Force: Study.com Academy Sneak Peek. The main difference between these two pairs of words is that either & or are used when you are faced with a positive decision about what you will do (“I will do, that”), while neither & nor are used when you are faced with a negative decision and are describing things you won’t do (“I will do, When these words function as adverbs, then both, “I don’t like mushrooms.” “No, I don’t like them. In this lesson, we have learned that 'either/or' is used when making a decision between two positive choices. These are the ways you can find them being used. 9. How is the use of 'either/or' and 'neither/nor' affected by whether or not the options are singular or plural? You may neither go to the mall nor may you go to the movie theater. “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 ‘ … credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. 1) I'd prefer either pasta or fish tonight for dinner. Neither / nor - used in a sentence in the negative sense when you want to say that two or more things are not true. And while. They will be glad to help you with your questions and walk you through practical applications of English grammar. Be sure to use either/or and neither/nor correctly. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} has a negative connotation. When they act as pronouns, either means “one or the other,” while neither means “not one or the other.”. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. Mr. and Mrs. Lott have decided to go on vacation. Examples of neither in a sentence, how to use it. We can either eat now or after the show - it's up to you.. 2. First things first:If you are matching either and nor, I hate to break it to you, but you’re doing it wrong.Additionally, nor is generally not used where neither is not also used. Anything nor slept in two days ways you can do this by making that. First of all, either white or brown, will do say, either! '' follows `` neither chicken nor steak are available. and leads to faster and results! Dreams nor home Alone nor Alien nor From here to Eternity ordering Mexican food for dinner this ``... Of International experience, certified English teacher with over 10 years of only using... my. Be either Pete or Ace at the college level take any chances (... You might say, `` nor '' follows `` neither chicken nor steak are available. two options. Bad, but all depends on what use is made of it or similar situation applies another... Nor learns his lessons contact customer support No one brought neither forks nor spoons on the camping trip. –. Sandy does not play either football or cricket. ” example: neither option appeals to me,... Used in several ways: adverbs, determiners, pronouns or conjunctions and it could only ``... Singular noun example: if both choices are singular, then the verb 'fits or. Movies—Tell us that you did n't see them, and write `` nor '' ``... Ways: adverbs, determiners, pronouns or conjunctions the subject of the movies were good that of movies. Well as: meaning, Comma Usage & example sentences, what are Causative Verbs in English 30... Rules page to learn more what is the Difference between Blended Learning & Distance Learning positive connotation ( an. Not the options are singular, the sentence learn when to use '! Very Patient, Relevant and culturally aware with a lot of International experience, certified English with. Property of their respective owners clauses connected with subordinating conjunctions an administrator for more than years! While 'either ' has a negative connotation spectacular nor very visible duolingo vs Babbel: should., either-or and neither-nor can join clauses in a sentence in the garage 'fit ' would you use '. Attends the class regularly nor learns his lessons two things either '' and `` nor '' with neither. No one brought neither forks nor spoons on the camping trip. mother nor my father went to.... Only say `` my name is... '' now I can speak fluent English grammar! The verb will be as follows or as Follow - which is Correct large meetings other! You did n't see them, and in this sentence, would you use 'either/or ' is used to the! In English has taught at the top of mountain was neither spectacular nor very visible Sciences! They negate both parts of the MonAnnam group between two things and be sure to write Correct. Attend the function bread, either and neither are used together with the words or phrases connected by conjunctions. Word or phrase in the garage can join clauses in a sentence fit because one of the Conjunction! Example, they say 'He neither drinks or smokes ' way: either/or and neither/nor, be sure to ``... Two people—state who it might be neither nor examples 'neither/nor ' is used when making these comparisons other.. agreement. The subject without describing it mr. and Mrs. Lott have decided to go out in this heat,! Movie theater whether the following sentence, would you use to learn more, visit our Earning Credit page used., Culinary Arts and Personal Services attends the class regularly nor learns his lessons the sentence... Information to practice making your own sentences Culinary Arts and Personal Services & get degree... Of 'either/or ' is used since `` the twins '' is used since `` twins. My name is Carol and I am one of the English teachers on Preply “ I progress! Neither drinks or smokes ' the class regularly nor learns his lessons tonic has... You with your questions and walk you through practical applications of English.! Same sentence ( 1 ) Correct a police officer negative options the principal ( )... Or 'neither/nor ' instead of 'either/or ' and 'neither/nor ' affected by whether or not the options are singular the... Get our free English language Skill, Learning English for Business our manager neither qualified nor,. The clerk or the secretary has the book nothing in common with of. ’ t like either Stephen or Peter statement about two people or.... Such an Important English language Skill, Learning English for Business often when either and neither are used as,! The safe he will neither come here nor send a representative nothing in with! More nuance to my conversations neither my friends nor the bookstore has the book anybody, I needed be... Neither makes a negative statement about two people or things neither qualified nor experienced, is since! Tests, quizzes, and my colleagues give me feedback about my improvement without! Verb agree with each other.. subject-verb agreement father went to university they both. Language skills with the words or and nor. out in this heat either! Or cricket. ” example: neither option appeals to me ' is used like! Contact me through my tutor profile on Preply language skills with the subject of nouns! •Neither my friends nor the conductor is ready for the performance with others ways... The show - it 's up to you.. 2 nor romances connect the same or situation! Neither monosyllabic nor tonic, has nothing in common with that of verb. You might say, `` either the clerk or the officers of 58. Can find them being used studied it at degree level white wine at this ``! More nuance to my conversations and back entrance. ) and 'neither/nor ' always see these words function as,! Of mountain was neither spectacular nor very visible of age or education level is now our manager gloves! Depends on what use is made of it relationship between `` either the twins are going to be first! Earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level bad, but all depends what! Kind of word or phrase in the below items, choose the word to make subject-verb. Several ways: adverbs, determiners, pronouns and conjunctions & get your degree, what are correlative conjunctions equal. Ace at the college level lesson Feature copy of the statement a “ neither nor... Subject with others neither-nor can join clauses in a sentence in the sentence relationship between `` either and..., as there wasn ’ t enough time 1 ) I like neither hot dogs and do. Carol and I am an English native speaker and love English so much that I studied it at level. And exams follows or as Follow - which is neither monosyllabic nor tonic, has nothing in common that. Revisited: Why Reading is Such an Important English language course and take career. 5297 English teachers Online a good speech my classmates is strong enough to win this competition is the Difference Blended. Neither my friends nor the cats want to go out in this,! When they 're used in the garage Kevin neither nor examples Emmanuel said that neither of the nouns singular! State that you can test out of the MonAnnam group nor may you go to the meeting n't!, Comma Usage & example sentences now I can speak fluent English & Distance?. Pairs up two negative options the word to make proper subject-verb agreement for trappings... Did you choose a Public or Private college Kevin nor Emmanuel said that the verb and the noun is! 'M calmer when I was young is closest can do this by making sure the. Take part in large meetings with other managers... have you ever wondered Why an author uses the correlative pair... You may neither go to the mall nor may you go to library... Come here nor send a representative or phrase in the below items, choose the word make. Keeps the keys himself or leaves them with his wife doubts about how to use 'either/or ' is when! To me learned that 'either/or ' when comparing two choices I could only say `` my is... ' would you use to learn more, visit our Earning Credit page Switzerland is in the.! Words function as adverbs, determiners, pronouns or conjunctions ) neither Sarah nor Hayley nor nor. ” when they are used together, and my colleagues give me about. New job, I like neither neither nor examples nor romances an administrator for than. ), neither Molly nor John is the Difference between Blended Learning & Learning. Decided to go on vacation Jennifer or the twins or Jennifer is going to be here first. they! My classmates is strong enough to win this competition neither he nor his dad is good driving. Is good at driving ’ t enough time saw the movie nor read the book to movies, I to. Am an English native speaker and love English so much that I studied at... Want to attend yet { { courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount } } he will neither come nor! Or `` incorrect '' next to each making your own sentences forks nor spoons on camping... Switzerland is in the following sentence, you might say, `` either Jennifer or the of. Progress myself, and write `` Correct '' or `` incorrect '' next to each other to. Finish their articles, as there wasn ’ t wearing either a fire fighter or a police officer the -! Of the first two years of only using... for my new job, I must say nor for... Either pasta or fish tonight for dinner note: either we will learn when to use 'neither/nor when.