A22K

Either

UK /["/ˈaɪðə(r)//ˈiːðə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈiːðər//ˈaɪðər/"]/

Definition

one or the other of two; it does not matter which

In simple words: one or the other of two options

Examples

  • You can park on either side of the street.
  • Either of these approaches will help you reduce costs.
  • There are two types of qualification—either is acceptable.
  • The offices on either side were empty.
  • There's a door at either end of the corridor.

Usage notes

Use 'either' when presenting two choices. It's more formal in written contexts. Avoid using 'either' with more than two options as it becomes incorrect.

Grammar pattern

either + noun or noun

Memory hint

Think of 'either' as in 'either way' — you have two paths to choose.

Collocations

  • either option
  • either way
  • either choice

Synonyms

  • one of two
  • any one
  • either one

Antonyms

  • neither
  • none

Common mistakes

  • 'Either' confused with 'neither'.
  • Using 'either' with more than two items.
  • Mistaking 'either' as a plural form.