Both, Either, Neither, So, Nor

Both, either, neither, so, and nor are small but powerful words that help us connect ideas, show agreement or contrast, and add emphasis. Understanding how to use them correctly will make your sentences clearer, more concise, and more expressive. Each of these words serves a different function, so let’s explore their meanings, usage, and examples.

1. Both: Referring to Two Items Together

The word “both” is used to talk about two people, things, or options together. It shows that something is true for two items simultaneously. It is commonly paired with the words “and” to emphasize two choices or entities.

1.1. Structure and Examples

• Both + noun + and + noun
  • Both John and Mary are coming to the party.
  • (John and Mary are both coming.)
• Both + pronoun + and + pronoun
  • She is both smart and hardworking.
  • (She has both qualities.)

1.2. Common Uses of “Both”

1. To Link Two People or Things:
   • Both my parents are doctors.
     (This means both my mother and father are doctors.)
2. To Show Agreement About Two Options:
   • Both movies are great.
     (Both choices are equally good.)

Key Tip: “Both” is always used with two items and is not suitable for more than two options.

2. Either: One or the Other

“Either” is used to talk about two choices or two possibilities when only one can happen or when both are acceptable. It suggests that any one of the two options is possible or true, but not both.

2.1. Structure and Examples

• Either + noun + or + noun
  • You can have either tea or coffee.
  • (Choose one, but not both.)
• Either + pronoun
  • Either option is fine.
  • (One of the two is acceptable.)

2.2. Common Uses of “Either”

1. To Present a Choice:
   • We can meet either at the café or at the library.
     (We will meet at one of these two places.)
2. To Indicate One Possibility:
   • You can take either road to get there.
     (Both roads lead to the same destination.)

Key Tip: Use “either” when talking about two options and choosing one.

3. Neither: Not One and Not the Other

“Neither” is the negative form of “either” and is used to say that none of the two options are true or applicable. It indicates that both options are not chosen.

3.1. Structure and Examples

• Neither + noun + nor + noun
  • Neither John nor Mary is coming to the party.
  • (John isn’t coming, and Mary isn’t coming either.)
• Neither + pronoun
  • Neither answer is correct.
  • (Both are wrong.)

3.2. Common Uses of “Neither”

1. To Exclude Both Options:
   • Neither option is suitable.
     (Neither of the two options is appropriate.)
2. With the Conjunction “Nor”:
   • I have neither the time nor the money to travel.
     (I don’t have time, and I don’t have money.)

Key Tip: “Neither” is always paired with “nor” when you want to express two negative options.

4. So: Expressing Agreement

“So” is used to express agreement with a positive statement. It shows that something is true for someone or something else as well. It is often paired with inversion of the subject and auxiliary verb (e.g., “so do I”).

4.1. Structure and Examples

• So + auxiliary verb + subject
  • I love chocolate.
  • So do I.
  • (I love chocolate too.)
• So + be + subject
  • He is happy.
  • So is she.
  • (She is happy too.)

4.2. Common Uses of “So”

1. To Agree with a Positive Statement:
   • I like swimming.
   • So do I.
     (I also like swimming.)
2. To Show that Something is True for Both Subjects:
   • She is tired.
   • So are they.
     (They are also tired.)

Key Tip: Use “so” to show positive agreement. The structure is “So + auxiliary verb + subject”.

5. Nor: Expressing Agreement in Negative Sentences

“Nor” is used to express agreement with a negative statement. It usually follows the structure similar to “so,” but is used when neither option or statement is true.

5.1. Structure and Examples

• Nor + auxiliary verb + subject
  • I don’t like coffee.
  • Nor do I.
  • (I also don’t like coffee.)
• Nor + be + subject
  • She isn’t going out.
  • Nor is he.
  • (He isn’t going out either.)

5.2. Common Uses of “Nor”

1. To Show Negative Agreement:
   • I haven’t finished my homework.
   • Nor has he.
     (He hasn’t finished it either.)
2. With “Neither” for Two Negative Options:
   • Neither John nor Mary attended the meeting.
     (Both John and Mary did not attend.)

Key Tip: Use “nor” for negative agreement and when listing negative options.

6. Quick Reference Table