Confused about 'either of', 'neither of', and 'both of' when talking about two options
I'm writing an email to a coworker where I want to refer to two possible meeting times. I'm not sure when I should use 'either of', 'neither of', or 'both of'. For example, should I say, 'Either of the times works for me', 'Neither of the times works for me', or 'Both of the times work for me'? Sometimes I see people drop the 'of' as well, and I'm not sure if that's correct.
Are there specific rules about when to use these phrases? Any advice or examples would really help!
Context:
I'm aiming for standard American business English in my emails.
What to Know
| What to Know | Why It Matters | Example | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-check: Did you use 'either,' 'neither,' or 'both' based on how many options you agree with? | Both of + plural noun + plural verb (when both options are acceptable). | This wording is correct because it matches the intended meaning in context. | Does this wording match my intended meaning in this sentence? |
| Writers often memorize a definition but miss the context cue that controls the correct choice. | This helps you choose wording by meaning instead of surface form. | A different phrasing is better when the literal meaning would be clearer. | Did I choose this form for meaning, not because it looked familiar? |
3 Answers
Pattern Approach:
To use these phrases correctly, remember this structure:
- Either of + plural noun + singular verb (when one of two is acceptable)
- Neither of + plural noun + singular verb (when none of the two is acceptable)
- Both of + plural noun + plural verb (when both options are acceptable)
Correct:
- Either of the times is fine with me.
- Neither of the times works for my schedule.
- Both of the times work for me.
Dropping 'of' (“Both times work,” etc.) is common in informal speech but in formal or business emails, 'of' is preferable when followed by 'the' and a noun.
Practice: Try rewriting these:
- "___ the proposals were interesting."
- "___ the dates is inconvenient."
Self-check: Did you use 'either,' 'neither,' or 'both' based on how many options you agree with?
Self-Editing Guidance:
When referring to two options, choose:
- 'Either of the' + plural noun + singular verb if you're fine with one or the other (e.g., "Either of the times is good.").
- 'Neither of the' + plural noun + singular verb if neither option is suitable (e.g., "Neither of the times is possible.").
- 'Both of the' + plural noun + plural verb when acceptable to you (e.g., "Both of the times are open for me.").
Correct errors by matching verb number and being clear about how many options you're addressing. Watch for sentence subjects:
- Wrong: "Both of the times is fine."
- Right: "Both of the times are fine."
Tip: In business emails, use 'of' when you add 'the' (e.g., "both of the dates").
Quick Practice: Take this sentence: "_____ the solutions is workable." Decide if it's either, neither, or both.
Compare and Contrast Approach:
- Use 'either of' when any one of the two options works. ("Either of the meeting times suits me.")
- Use 'neither of' when not a single option works for you. ("Neither of the meeting times works for my schedule.")
- Use 'both of' when all available options work. ("Both of the meeting times are convenient for me.")
No 'of': If you're not specifying a set—for example, just saying "Both times are convenient"—it's okay to drop 'of'. When using 'the' + noun, 'of' is more standard, especially in emails.
Quick check:
- If you mean any one? Use "either of".
- If you mean not one? Use "neither of".
- If you mean all? Use "both of".
Practice: Come up with your own versions for a choice about lunch locations.
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