Either Or vs Neither Nor | Definition & Examples

“Either/or” and “neither/nor” are correlative conjunctions used to connect two alternatives or to indicate a lack of options, but they express different meanings and are used in different contexts.

“Either/or” is used to present two alternatives, indicating that only one of the options may be chosen, but not both. “Neither/nor” is used to present two alternatives, indicating that neither of the options is chosen or applicable.

What is “Either/Or”?

“Either/or” is used to present a selection between two alternatives, suggesting that only one of the options is possible or permissible. It implies that the options are mutually exclusive, and choosing one excludes the other. “Either/or” is commonly used to present alternatives or choices in various contexts, such as decision-making, offering options, or setting conditions.

Structure:

• “Either” + first option + “or” + second option.
• The structure of “either/or” emphasizes the choice between the two alternatives, with “either” indicating the initial option and “or” connecting the options.

Example:

• “You can either have tea or coffee for breakfast.”
• In this sentence, “either” introduces the first option (tea), “or” connects the two options, and the second option (coffee) follows “or.”

What is “Neither/Nor”?

“Neither/nor” is used to present two alternatives, suggesting that none of the options is chosen or applicable.It indicates that neither of the options is true, valid, or selected. “Neither/nor” is commonly used to express negative statements about both options, indicating the absence or non-selection of alternatives.

Structure:

• “Either” + first option + “or” + second option.
• The structure of “either/or” emphasizes the choice between the two alternatives, with “either” indicating the initial option and “or” connecting the options.

Example:

• “You can either have tea or coffee for breakfast.”
• In this sentence, “either” introduces the first option (tea), “or” connects the two options, and the second option (coffee) follows “or.”

What is the Difference Between “Either/Or” and “Neither/Nor”?

Here’s an expanded version of the comparison table for “either/or” and “neither/nor”:

Aspect	Either/Or	Neither/Nor
Meaning	Presents a choice between two alternatives.	Indicates the absence or negation of both options.
Example Sentence	You can either have tea or coffee for breakfast.	Neither Alice nor Bob wants to go to the party.
Structure	“Either” + first option + “or” + second option.	“Neither” + first option + “nor” + second option.
Usage	Expresses a choice or mutually exclusive options.	Expresses absence, negation, or both options not being true.
Conjunction Type	Correlative conjunction.	Correlative conjunction.
Conveyed Meaning	Implies that one of the options must be chosen.	Implies the absence or negation of both options.
Emphasis	Emphasizes alternatives or choices.	Emphasizes the absence or negation of options.
Negative Form	Can be used in negative sentences for exclusion.	Used to convey negation or lack of agreement.

Difference Between “Either/Or” & “Neither/Nor”- FAQs

How to use neither/nor correctly?

Use “neither/nor” to express the absence or negation of both options, as in “Neither A nor B.”

How to use either/or correctly?

Use “either/or” to present two alternatives, with “either” introducing the first option and “or” connecting the options, as in “You can either have tea or coffee.”

What is either or and neither nor?

“Either/or” presents a choice between two options, while “neither/nor” indicates the absence or negation of both options.

Give an example of either or and neither nor

• Either/Or: “You can either watch a movie or go for a walk.”
• Neither/Nor: “Neither John nor Mary enjoys spicy food.”