Grammar · Articles & Determiners
Both, Either & Neither
Both of them, neither of them, either one: learn how to talk about two people or things with the film Freaky Friday.
Grammar › Articles & Determiners › Both, Either & Neither
The rule in one sentenceUse both when something is true of two people or things together, and either / neither when it is true of one of the two, or of none.
About the film
Freaky Friday is a film from 2003 about Tess, a busy mother, and Anna, her teenage daughter. Neither of them understands the other, and they argue all the time. After a strange evening at a Chinese restaurant, both of them wake up in the wrong body.
What does it do?
These three words always talk about exactly two people or things. For three or more, you need other words, like all or none.
Both means the two together: yes + yes. Either means one or the other, and it doesn’t matter which. Neither means not one and not the other: no + no.
Look at the second tile. Neither already means “not”, so the verb is positive: is, not isn’t. In the third tile, either comes at the end and means “also not”.
In conversation, people often answer with a very short phrase:
Both of them want their old life back. Neither of them wants this new life.
Both is yes + yes. Neither is no + no. Neither already means “not”, so never add don’t.
Visual guide
Teacher Teddy’s illustrated guide to this rule is being drawn — the full swipe-through infographic will appear here soon.
How to make it
both — the two together
Both of them are surprised.
They don’t both play the guitar.
Only Anna plays. Not both = one, but not two.Are both of them at the restaurant?
either / neither — one or none
Neither Tess nor Anna feels normal.
Tess isn’t happy, and Anna isn’t happy either.
At the end of a sentence, either means “also not”.Can either of you help me?
Either of you = one of you, it doesn’t matter which.When to use each one
both — yes + yes
either / neither — one or none
Words that help: yes, one or none?
These words often come in pairs. Learn them together.
both → the two together
either / neither → one of two, or none
Common mistakes
❌ Neither of them don’t like the new life.
✅ Neither of them likes the new life.
Neither already means not. Don’t add don’t.
❌ Both of them is in the wrong body.
✅ Both of them are in the wrong body.
Both means two, so use are.
❌ Tess isn’t happy, and Anna isn’t happy too.
✅ Tess isn’t happy, and Anna isn’t happy either.
After a “not” sentence, use either, not too.
❌ Neither Tess or Anna feels normal.
✅ Neither Tess nor Anna feels normal.
Neither goes with nor. Either goes with or.
One more thing
This part is a little harder. You can come back to it later.
Neither of them is or are? In careful writing, neither of them and either of them take a singular verb. In everyday speech, many people use a plural verb. Both are common, but the singular is safer in exams.
✅ Neither of them is ready for the day. (writing)
✅ Neither of them are ready for the day. (speech)
Also, before side or end, either can mean “each of the two”: There are trees on either side of the street.
Practice: choose the right word
Eight questions. Choose one word. You get the answer, and why.
1. ___ of them wake up in the wrong body.
Yes for Tess and yes for Anna → both.
2. ___ Tess nor Anna feels normal.
Nor goes with neither.
3. Tess isn’t happy, and Anna isn’t happy ___.
After a “not” sentence → either.
4. Both of them ___ surprised.
Both means two → are.
5. You can sit in ___ chair. It doesn’t matter.
One of two, it doesn’t matter which → either.
6. Neither of them ___ the new life.
Neither already means not, so the verb stays positive.
7. Harry can ask ___ Tess or Anna for help.
Or goes with either.
8. “I don’t like Mondays.” “Me ___.”
After a “not” sentence → me neither.
Your turn
Choose one ending. Then listen to your sentence.
Every sentence here is correct. Pick the one that is true for you. Say it out loud too!
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