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Definition either in British English

either adverb, determiner, pronoun

adverb, determiner, pronoun
/ˈaɪðə(r)/

Either can be used in the following ways:

in the expression either...or: Students could choose either French or Spanish.You can either come by bus or take a taxi.

as a determiner (followed by a singular countable noun): a long room with a door at either end

as a pronoun: Olive oil and corn oil are both suitable, so you could use either. (followed by ‘of’): Does either of you speak Chinese?

as an adverb (in negative sentences): Jerry wasn’t there either.

When either is the subject of a sentence, it is usually used with a singular verb: Is either of them at home? But in spoken English a plural verb is sometimes used: Are either of them at home?

1

one or the other of two people or things, especially when it does not matter which

Example

Cheque or credit card - you can use either.

Example

Applications are welcomed from people of either sex and any age.

Example

It was a long time before either of them spoke.

2

used in negative statements referring to both of two people or things

Example

Jackie could play the piano and sing, whereas I couldn't do either.

Example

Most of the troublemakers were not supporters of either team.

Example

I didn't like either of the candidates.

2.1

used for adding that a negative statement is also true of another person or thing

Example

We tried another method, but that didn't work either.

Example

It's a problem I can't solve, and I don't think anyone else can either.

Synonyms and related words
2.2

used for adding a negative statement that emphasizes how good, bad, impressive etc something is

Example

He did a superb job, and he didn't have any help either.

Synonyms and related words
Definition either in British English