Distributives are words we use to describe how a group of people or things are divided or shared out. Some of the most common distributives in English are both, either, and neither. We use them to refer only to two things or people.

Example

Explanation

I would like either Chinese or Mexican for dinner.

The presence of either ... or in a sentence indicates a choice between two possibilities.

Rule 1: We can use either before singular nouns in the meaning of one or the other.

Example

Explanation

I'm okay with either option.

Either is used to indicate that one or another of the two provided options works fine.

Note: We need to conjugate the verb in the singular when we use either (of) or neither (of) in a sentence.

Example

Explanation

Either option works for me.

We conjugatethe verb work in the singular form - works - after the distributive either.

Rule 2: We use either … or to present a choice between two possibilities.

Example

Explanation

I want to watch either a horror or a thriller tonight.

This construction indicates the possibility of a choice.

Rule 3: We can use either as a short answer.

Example

Explanation

- Which do you prefer?

- Either.

Either is used as a short answer.

Rule 4: We must use either of before an object pronoun (us, them, you, etc.) or a plural noun with a determiner (the, a/an, these, etc.).

Example

Explanation

I don't like either of these dresses.

Either of is used before the plural noun (dresses) with a determiner (these).

Quiz

1/4

Choose the correct answer. We can either stay in and cook ___ go out to eat something.

0

correct answers.