either

1. 1
   choice (with or)conjunction

   Used to introduce the first of two (or sometimes more) options, the next of which follows 'or'.

   You may either accept the offer or negotiate for better terms.

   The committee will either approve the budget or send it back for revision.

   UsagePairs with or, and the two choices read best in the same form: either stay or go.

2. 2
   also notadverb

   Also; as well, used to add to a preceding negative statement.

   He didn't show up to the meeting, and he didn't call to explain either.

   The first plan failed, and the backup didn't work either.

   UsageEnds a negative clause where a positive one uses too: I can't swim either (not incorrect: I can't swim too).

   Note

   That negative can be quite soft, as in Georgette Heyer's The Unknown Ajax (1959), where Richmond had eaten "no more than a spoonful of this either." Source

   Checked 3 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

   • Georgette Heyer wrote The Unknown Ajax, first published in 1959. en.wikipedia.org
   • The primary text reads “this” instead of “that”; the passage is narration about Richmond. static.fnac-static.com
3. 3
   any (of two)determiner

   Any one of two things or people, whichever is chosen; sometimes loosely used of one among more than two.

   You may enter through either door at the front of the building.

   Either route across the valley is safe in summer.

   UsageUse a singular noun after either. When the phrase is the subject, use a singular verb: either door is fine.

   Oppositeneither

4. 4
   any (of two)pronoun

   Whichever one of two people or things is in question.

   Two candidates applied, and either would be a strong hire.

   She offered me tea or coffee, and I said either was fine.

   UsageUsually takes a singular verb: either is fine. After not, it means neither one: I didn't like either.

   Oppositeneither

   Note

   Daniel Taylor's 2013 report has Welbeck scoring twice but barely celebrating either. Source

   Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

   • Daniel Taylor wrote the cited report in 2013. theguardian.com
   • The report describes Welbeck scoring twice but barely celebrating either goal. theguardian.com
5. 5
   determiner

   Each of two things considered separately; both.

   Guards stood at either end of the long hallway.

   The bridge has a tollbooth on either bank of the river.

   UsageMostly in place phrases, with a singular noun: on either side (not incorrect: on either sides), at either end.

   Similareach

   Note

   Here the word points at both members of a pair at once. Milton uses it in Paradise Lost (1667), and Djuna Barnes still does in Nightwood (1936). Source

   Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

   • John Milton uses either in the sense of both in Paradise Lost. en.wikisource.org
   • Paradise Lost was first published in 1667. wwwe.lib.cam.ac.uk
   • Djuna Barnes uses either in the sense of both in Nightwood. en.wiktionary.org
   • Nightwood is by Djuna Barnes and was first published in 1936. en.wikipedia.org

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