A sentence with this construction is translated into Russian by a negative sentence with the structure "neither ... nor ...".
At the same time, in one sentence, we are talking about two statements that have a negative meaning; neither the first nor the second person / object / action applies the content of the sentence:
Neither Mary nor Kate likes coffee. - Neither Mary nor Kate people coffee.
Neither John nor his friends helped the poor woman. “Neither John nor his friends helped the unfortunate woman.
He tried neither the cake nor the sandwiches. “He hasn’t tasted the pie or the sandwiches.
How to use the construction
In sentences with this construction, the predicate verb can be used in both singular and plural forms - it depends on the last of the listed subjects, that is, after a noun or a pronoun used after the word "nor".
Neither the students nor the teacher understands what is going on. - Neither the students nor the teacher understand what is happening.
Neither Ashley nor her parents were at home. “Neither Ashley nor her parents were at home.
When translating such sentences into English, one should remember about the prohibition of double negations: “neither” already contains a negation, the use of an additional “not” by analogy with the Russian language is not only not required, but would be a gross mistake.
Neither the boys nor the girls DIDN'T know this rule. - Neither boys nor girls knew this rule. The translation is incorrect, the second negation of DIDN'T with an auxiliary verb is not required in the English version of the sentence. The sentence should be translated as follows:
Neither the boys nor the girls knew the rule.
Another common mistake is the use of both… and… in such sentences. Such a proposal would also be considered incorrect; if there is a negation in a sentence, it is imperative to use neither… nor….
Both dogs and the cats eat oranges. - Neither cats nor dogs eat oranges. This sentence contains a grammatical error; in the presence of negation, the structure neither… nor… should be used:
Neither cats nor dogs eat oranges.
Today we will talk about the constructions either ... or ... and neither ... nor ..., which translate as "or ... or ..." and "neither ... nor ...". With the help of these constructions, we are talking about choosing one option out of two, or when none of the proposed ones suits us.
In today's article, we will analyze in which cases we use these constructions and how to do it correctly.
The rule of using the construction either or in English
The construction either ... or ... is translated into Russian as "or ... or ...".
We use it when there is a choice between two objects, people or actions, but we need to choose one thing.
How to pronounce either?
There are two ways to pronounce this word: American and British. They are different from each other. You can choose the pronunciation that is more convenient for you or you like. You will be understood in any case.
British pronunciation:
either [
ˈAɪðə ( r)] / [a "ise].
American pronunciation: either [ˈi · ðər] / [and "zer].
1. Main characters.
In this case, the construction is placed at the beginning of the sentence.
For example: "Or Mother, or dad will take her out of kindergarten. "
Either + someone + or + someone + action.
Examples of
Either Mary or Tom brought this cake.
Either Mary or Tom brought this cake.
Either I or my secretary will call you.
Either I or my secretary will call you.
2. Two actions.
For example: “You can or Write to us, or call ".
Someone + either + action + or + action.
Examples of
She should decide either stay or leave.
She must decide to either stay or leave.
They are either reading or watching TV now.
They are either reading or watching TV now.
3. Two items.
For example: "I can give either a pen or a pencil."
Someone + action + either + something + or + someone.
Examples of
We want to order either tea or juice.
We want to order either tea or juice.
She can buy either dress or skirt.
She can buy either a dress or a skirt.
4. Two signs of an object
For example: "He will give her either red or white roses."
Someone + action + either + some + or + some.
Examples of
You can take either red or yellow dress.
You can take either a red or a yellow dress.
He wants either black or gray phone.
He wants either a black or a gray phone.
Using neither nor in English
The construction neither ... nor ... is translated into Russian as "neither ... nor ...".
We use this design when none of the proposed options suits us.
note: neither… nor… is itself negative. In English, there cannot be two negations in a sentence, so you do not need to use an additional negative particle not with an auxiliary verb.
Not right
He doesn’t like neither chocolate nor ice-cream.
Right
He likes neither chocolate nor ice-cream.
He doesn't like chocolate or ice cream.
How is neither pronounced?
The word is also pronounced in two different ways: American and British. You can choose any of them.
British pronunciation: neither [ˈnaɪðə (r)] / [to is].
American pronunciation: neither [ˈniːðər] / [nor "zer].
This design can interconnect:
1. Main characters
For example: "Neither friends nor relatives congratulated him."
Neither + someone + nor + someone + action.
Examples of
Neither he nor his friend knew this girl.
Neither he nor his friends knew this girl.
Neither Tom nor Peter did homework.
Neither Tom nor Peter did their homework.
2. Two actions
For example: "I do not want to eat or drink."
Someone + neither + action + nor + action.
Examples of
She neither washed the dishes nor swept the floor.
She neither washed the dishes, nor swept the floor.
They neither go to the cinema nor stay at home.
They will not go to the cinema, nor will they stay at home.
3. Two items
For example: "My sister did not buy any shoes or sneakers."
Someone + action + neither + something + nor + someone.
Examples of
We eat neither apples nor pears.
We do not eat apples or pears.
They sold neither car nor house.
They didn’t sell their car or their house.
4. Two signs of an object
For example: "She doesn't like red or orange paint."
Someone + action + neither + some + nor + some.
Examples of
He wants neither strawberry nor chocolate milkshake.
He doesn't want a strawberry or chocolate milkshake.
They like neither French nor Germany language.
They don't like French or German.
So, we looked at two constructs either… or… and neither… nor…, now you know when we use them. Now is the time to consolidate the material covered in practice.
Complete the task for consolidation and write in the comments
Translate the following sentences into English:
1. They want to buy either a house or an apartment.
2. You can watch TV, or read a magazine.
3. I cannot bring coffee or tea.
4. Neither my parents nor my sister called.
5. You can either wait or go without me.
6. She doesn't like blue or green.
7. They will go either to the movies or to the restaurant.
8. You can either vacuum or take out the trash.
Leave your answers in the comments under the article, and I will definitely check them.
The use of English dialects is always fraught with some difficulties. Usually, you can understand them only by starting attending English courses or studying in depth at home. In this article, we will make it a little easier for you and will look at 6 main aspects related to the use of the adverb neither.
Rule number 1: use neither with nor
Agree, this nuance is not so difficult to remember. Nor is the negative form of the word or, which many people mistakenly use in constructions with neither.
- He tried neither the cake nor the sandwiches. (He tasted neither the cake nor the sandwiches.)
- The whole affair is neither here nor there. (This whole venture neither to the village nor to the city.)
- He was neither seen nor heard. (He was neither seen nor heard.)
Despite this, the use case for or still has a place to be - but rather as an exception. Let's look at the following examples:
- Neither of the championship favorites France, Brazil or Portugal made it to the semi-finals. (None of the championship favorites made it to the semifinals - neither France, nor Brazil, nor Portugal.)
- I would say that I am neither one or the other. (I would say that I am neither the one nor the other.)
In these cases, setting or is appropriate, since the sentences are enumerated, and not emphasized the alternative of choice. Thus, neither… or is not abnormal, but neither… nor is preferred.
Rule number 2: Put neither strictly before listing alternatives in a sentence
- The leadership battle is expected to be neither quick nor easy. (The battle for leadership will not be quick or easy.)
- Unfortunately, we are going to neither Miami nor New York. (Unfortunately, we are not going to Miami or New York.)
Word order is very important in such contexts, as incorrect delivery of an adverb will lead to a change in meaning. In the first phrase, you cannot separate the parts to be and neither quick nor easy, and in the second, put neither before going to Miami nor New York. If neither is to emphasize the fact that neither of the two alternatives are appropriate, it must sit directly in front of that choice.
Rule number 3: don't use nor more than once in a sentence
To avoid a possible error, proceed as follows:
- The winter coat was not expensive, nor too big or out of season. (The winter coat was neither expensive, oversized, nor off-season.)
- There was neither malice, anger nor emotion in his response. (There was no anger, no anger, no emotion in his response.)
Rule number 4: When listing multiple objects, use none
Sometimes you can use none instead of neither. Compare:
- I received phone calls from Jon, Paul and Helen, neither of whom were feeling well. (I received calls from John, Paul and Helen, none of them were feeling well.)
- I received phone calls from Jon, Paul and Helen, none of whom was feeling well. (I received calls from John, Paul and Helen, none of them were feeling well.)
Rule number 5: put the verb after none in the singular
Based on the examples above, we note that after none, the verb will be used in the singular, not in the plural. In order not to get confused again, it is enough just to remember that:
1) If both nouns in the sentence are used in the singular (man, child), then the word following them will also be in the singular (was, is, am).
2) If both nouns in the sentence are used in the plural (men, children), then the word following them will also be in the plural (were, are).
- After a long search, neither the children nor the father was found alive. (After a long search, neither the children nor the father were found alive.)
- Neither the school authorities nor the police were ever involved. (Neither the school administration nor the police were involved.)
Special attention should be paid to words of Latin origin in the plural:
- Fungi are neither plant nor animal and are in a category of their own. (Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals and are a class of their own.)
Fungi in this example is the plural of fungus, which is why it must be followed by are.
Rule number 6: remember what the choice between neither is / neither depends on.
And it depends, first of all, on the meaning that you want to put in the sentence, as well as on whether nouns are singular or plural.
- I have two mobile numbers on two networks but neither one is any good for reaching me. (I have two numbers from two mobile operators, but neither of them can be reached.)
- Neither my wife or my two children are coming to the opening. (Neither my wife nor my two children go to the opening.)
In the first sentence, we put neither is, since neither one nor the second number met the expectations of the subscriber. In the second phrase, both nouns are used in different numbers. We use neither are here because the plural should be preferred in situations like this.
What "s up, friends! Today we will analyze the difference between" both "," either "and" neither. "Do you think it's easy? We don" t think so! It's all about nuance, context, and negative sentences. Therefore, today we will distribute everything on the shelves - we will find out the meaning of these words, their use, consider examples and offer you an exercise to consolidate the material. Let "s go!
Using Either, Neither and Both
They are usually binary related to each other; in other words, "both", "either" and "neither" are used to connect or connect two entities (people, objects, abstractions) in the affirmative or negative.
The problem is that both, either and neither, and especially both, have different functions. Depending on the context, they can be thought of as quantifiers (set pointers), adjectives, pronouns, conjunctions, or adverbs.
Using them in sentences is actually pretty straightforward, but before we get into personalities, let's remember the most important thing:
- they are used only in relation to two objects, only to a pair;
- « both" and " neither"Have exactly the opposite meaning:" both "and" neither ", and" either»Used when you need to make a choice in favor of one or the other;
- « neither»Is not used in negative sentences. An English sentence cannot contain two negatives at once (negative verb and the pronoun "neither").
And now in more detail.
Both
Transcription/translation: / "Both", "and this, and that", "and that, and the other."
Meaning: determinant (pre-determinative), pronoun... Usually unites two with a single truth. The phrase both "A" and "B" means "both A and B".
Use: can be used as a pronoun to refer to two things (or people) that have already been mentioned.
- Do you want the blue balloon or the red balloon?
- Do you want a blue or a red ball?
- I'll buy both(the blue one and the red one).
- I'll buy both.
- With nouns in singular. number of(both + noun (singular) + and + noun (singular).
Both.
Would you like a cheese or chicken sandwich? - AND with that, and with another.
Such situations require both justice and reconciliation.
In such situations, it is necessary and justice, and reconciliation.
She speaks both English and Arabic.
She says and in english, and In the Arabic language.
They have both a cat and a dog.
They have and cat and dog.
He is both an actor and a director.
He and actor and director.
- With plural nouns(both + plural noun).
She speaks both languages.
She speaks both languages.
- With adjectives(both + adjective + and + adjective).
He's both tall and handsome.
He is at the same time and tall and attractive.
I'm both happy and confused at the same time!
I am at the same time and happy and confused!
I have had a long, hard day and I’m both tired and hungry.
I have a long hard day and I am at the same time and tired and hungry.
- Can be used with the pretext"Of" (more commonly in the US), but only if it is followed by a pronoun: personal, possessive, or demonstrative:
I'd only been in about two fights in my life, and I lost both of them.
I've only had two fights in my entire life, and both I lost.
- "Both" or "both of" can be used before qualifiers(my, his, these, the, etc.) and nouns in plural.
Both (of) my friends arrived late to class.
Both of my friends late for class.
Both of the wheels wobble too much.
Both wheels are too loose.
A prize was given to both of the players.
The prize went to both players.
- When we use "both" without "of", then omit article « the».
Both parents were nervous.
Both parents were nervous.
Both of the parents were nervous.
- « Both of» with object pronoun(object pronoun).
When using “both” with an object pronoun (me, you, him, her, it, us them), we need the preposition “of” before this pronoun.
Incorrect: "He has invited both us".
Right: « He has invited both of us».
Wrong: "I'll take both them".
Right: « I need to speak to both of you».
- Verb with object pronoun + both(verb + object pronoun + both).
You can use "both" after the object pronoun.
I hope they invite us both(I hope they invite both of us).
I hope they invite both of us.
Do you need them both? (Do you need both of them?).
Do you both (both) need them?
The teacher sent them both to the principal's office.
The teacher sent them both to the principal's office.
- To be + both.
He is both intelligent and agile.
He and clever and prompt.
My brother and i are both ready for the trip.
My brother and I are we both ready to travel.
We were both happy with our results.
We both were pleased with our results.
- Modal verb + both + verb(modal verb + both + verb).
My parents can both speak French.
Both my parents can speak French.
They should both try harder.
They both need to do their best.
My brothers would both be shocked if they knew the truth.
Both of my brothers would be shocked if they knew the truth.
- We don't use both in negative structures. Instead, we put “ neither».
Incorrect: "Both of them are not ready."
Right: « Neither of them are ready».
Either
Transcription/translation: ["i: ðər] (US), [" aɪðər] (UK) / "either one or the other", "either of the two."
Meaning: is a pronoun, determinant, union or adverb, and is followed by an affirmative singular verb. In negative sentences it means "neither one nor the other" or "neither of the two", in affirmative sentences - "either one or the other." Even in modern English there is a meaning "both".
Use: is mostly used in questions or negative sentences instead of "also" or "too". Used as a union to express alternatives and / or a choice between two (and sometimes more) things. It is used with the singular verb (sometimes it is also used in the plural, although this is grammatically incorrect).
There are only two options and I’m not interested in either of them.
There are only 2 options and I'm not interested in any of them.
Has anyone stayed in either of these places?
Has anyone stayed at any of these places?
- Either … or- either one or the other; or or.
Either you or John has to finish the report before 5pm.
Or you or John must complete this report by 5.
You can have either the red shirt or the blue shirt (but not both)
You can take or red or blue shirt (but not both).
Either you leave the building now or I "m calling the police.
You or leave the building now or I'll call the police.
Either you apologize, or I’ll never speak to you again. - Or you apologize or I won't talk to you anymore.
- Used as a determinant before a singular noun.
Do you want it ready for Thursday or Friday? - Either day is fine for me.
Do you need it by Thursday or Friday? Any of these days will do.
- You can use "either" before a qualifier (my, his, these, the etc.) and a plural noun.
We’ve been dating for 6 months and I haven’t met either of her parents.
I haven’t read either of these books.
I don’t want either of those apples... Do you have one that is not rotten?
- When using "either" with an object pronoun (you, us, them), we need the preposition "of" before this pronoun.
I don’t think he is going to invite either of us.
I don't think he will invite any of us.
Which photo do you like more? - I don’t like either of them.
Which photo do you like best? “I don’t like any of them.
I think I left my keys and wallet at the office. I don’t want to lose either of them.
I think I forgot my keys and wallet at the office. I would not want to lose either one or the other.
- "Either" can be used separately. This means that the choice does not matter, the specific alternative is not important. Sometimes it is accompanied by the pronoun "one".
Would you like coffee or tea? - Either(one).
Do you want coffee or tea? - Any option will do.
Would you like your sandwich with cheese or chicken? - Either.
Would you like a cheese or chicken sandwich? - With anything (even with chicken, even with cheese).
- Can be used at the end of a negative sentence if you agree with something negative said by someone else. This is similar to the meaning "too" and "also" used in affirmative sentences.
I wasn’t thirsty. - I wasn’t either(wrong: "I wasn't too").
I was not thirsty. - Me too.
I've never been to Portugal. - I haven’t either.
I have never been to Portugal. - Me too.
I didn’t go to class yesterday. - I didn’t either.
I didn't go to class yesterday. - Me too.
First takeaway: what's the difference between either and both?
Both- both at the same time, at once. Both options are possible (I can drink both coffee and chocolate at once).
Either- both options are also possible, but only at different times (he can be both American and Canadian in general, but he can be only one of them in fact at this moment).
Neither
Transcription/translation: ["ni: ðər] (American English); [" naɪðər] (British English) / "neither one nor the other", "neither of the two."
Meaning: is a negative word followed by an affirmative singular verb. It is the negative form of either.
Use: usually used as a determinant before a singular noun. It is used in cases where neither of the two options suits us. It can also be used with the preposition "of" if there is a pronoun after it.
Neither of us felt like sitting around on our ass all night.
None of us didn't want to sit here on my ass all night.
- You can use "neither of" before the qualifier (my, his, these, the etc.) and the plural noun.
Neither of my friends came to class today.
No one of my friends didn't come to class today.
Neither of their parents understood what the baby was trying to say.
No one of their parents did not understand what the child was trying to say.
Neither of our cars has enough petrol, so we have to take the bus.
Nonefrom our cars there is not enough gasoline, so you don't have to take the bus.
- In negative sentences, often used as part of a short answer. , when someone says something negative and you agree with it.
I have never been to Switzerland.
I have never been to Switzerland.
Neither have I (Me neither).
Me too.
I don’t even want to go there.
I don't even want to go there.
Neither do I.
Me too.
Important: A common mistake is that there is no double negation in English. (Wrong: "Neither answer is not correct". Correct: "Neither
answer is correct ". After "neither" is a verb without negation.
In Russian we say “none of the answers is correct”. In English it will be "none of the answers are correct."
Would you like your sandwich with cheese or chicken? - Neither... I'm on a diet.
Would you like a cheese or chicken sandwich? - Neither one nor the other. I'm on a diet.
- If there is already negation in the sentence, use either
to avoid double negation.
I have neither time nor money
I don’t have either time or money.
I have neither time nor money.
I can’t come either.
I can't come either.
- Can also be used alone.
- Would you like a blue tie or a green tie?
- What is your tie: blue or green?
-Neither(neither tie)
- None.
Neither ... nor rule
« Neither... nor"Is used as a union. This is the opposite of "both ... and ...". If the verb follows this phrase, then it has the singular form (+ s).
Neither John nor Fred likes doing the dishes ("Both John and Fred don’t like doing the dishes").
Neither John nor Fred likes to wash dishes.
I need neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt.
I don't need a red or blue shirt.
I neither smoke nor drink.
I neither smoke nor drink.
The exercise
Answers - under the video. But try your best first!
1. I don’t support any football team.
Me neither / Me too / Neither did I
2. I didn’t take it.
Neither did I / Neither didn "t I / Neither do I
3. Neither of these _______ Italian.
restaurants is / restaurant is / restaurants are
4. Both of my _______ very kind.
friend is / friends is / friends are
5. You can take _______ a bus or a subway to get there.
neither / either / both
6. Neither of them _______ speak French.
could not / - / could
7. I like _______ hunting _______ scuba diving.
both, or / and, and / both, and
8. They _______ sound great, _______ connected to the record.
neither, both / both, both / both, and
9. Where were your kids yesterday? _______ at school.
Both are / Both were / Neither
10. Would you like beer or whiskey? _______ I "m a non-drinker.
Both / Either / Neither
The answers:
1. Me neither; 2. Neither did I; 3. restaurants is; 4. friends are; 5. either; 6. could (-); 7.both, and; 8. both, both / both, and; 9. Both were; 10. Neither.
Conclusion
Hopefully everything cleared up with these paired pronouns. Well, of course, it's not enough to understand, you need practice. Write your examples in the comments!
We wish you both fun activities and interesting conversations in English, as well as neither problems nor troubles on your path of learning!
Big and friendly family EnglishDom