Intermediate Level
Lesson 6
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Intermediate English
Lesson 6 - House
Grammar

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both/either/neither

The word "both" in English indicates two out of a group of two.    "Either" indicates one out of a group of two.  "Neither" indicates zero out of a group of two. 

Both - two out of a group of two
Either - one out of a group of two
Neither - zero out of a group of two

Both can be used with a plural noun.  Either and Neither are used with singular nouns. 

Both students can take the test.
Either student can take the test.
Neither student can take the test.

"Both" can be used with two nouns connected with "and."  "Either" can be used with two nouns connected with "or."  "Neither" can be used with two nouns connected with "nor." 

Both Frank and Bob live in Chicago.
Either Frank or Bob lives in Chicago.
Neither Frank nor Bob lives in Chicago.

You can use these words with the preposition "of" before plural nouns (with "the") or object pronouns. 

With Plural Nouns
Both of the students can go to the party.
Either of the students can go to the party.
Neither of the students can go to the party.

With Object Pronouns
Both of them can go to the party.
Either of them can go to the party.
Neither of them can go to the party.

The word "both" has some more uses. We can use the word "both" after a subject or object pronoun or before a plural noun.

We both loved the movie.  (after a subject pronoun)
He gave us both a birthday present.  (after an object pronoun)
Both students passed the test.  (before a plural noun)

Practice
Select the correct word.

1. I like pizza and you like pizza. We like pizza.
   

2. Bill lives in Chicago or Frank lives in Chicago. Bill or Frank lives in Chicago. I don't remember which one.
   

3. You don't like tea and I don't like tea. of us likes tea.
   

4. My son and my daughter like ice cream. children like ice cream.
   

5. Neither Gina Dan likes to watch TV.
   

6. My father and my mother are not retired. of my parents are retired.
   

7. I want either the yellow one the blue one.
   

8. I need both that book this one.
   

 

Find the Mistake

Instructions
Find the errors in the sentences.  Write the sentences correctly.

example
She are a student. --> She is a student. 

1. Both house are blue.
  

2. Either students can use the book. 
  

3. Neither Sue or Kim can speak French.
  

4. She gived both children a present.
  

5. Both of they speak Chinese.
  

 

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