Either and Neither as Conjunctions
As a conjunction, either and neither join two nouns using either … or …or neither … nor . Either grammatically connects two words, phrases, or clauses together. It comes before two possible alternatives which are separated by or , usually with no other possible alternatives. Neither is used to state two states or actions that are negative or not possible, and they are separated by nor .
Examples:
- That underwater creature was either a fish or some unknown creature.
- Relatives of the dying patient will decide soon either burial or cremation..
- We'll have a drinking session either this week or next.
- She has a nice shape as is neither fat nor skinny.
- Our cat chases neither rats nor mice.
- He neither smiled at nor bowed to the people applauding his magic tricks.
Either or neither can be used at the beginning of a sentence.
Examples:
- Either we leave for the airport now or we may miss the flight.
- Neither her father nor her mother will help her with her homework.
Where two subjects are joined by either … or / neither … nor the verb agrees with the subject that is closer to it.
Examples:
- Either you come early or he goes without you.
- Either he or you are telling a lie.
- I believe neither Heaven nor Hell exists .
- Neither the gorilla nor the chimpanzee has a tail.
- Neither my sister nor I am going to wash my father's car.
Neither is often used in a clause to follow a negative statement. In the clause, neither is placed at the beginning.
Examples:
- “I don’t believe his grandmother story.” “ Neither do I.”
- He will never say anything to annoy her, and neither will I.
- Both were late. The teacher didn’t believe his excuses for being late, and neither did the teacher believe hers.