Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Used after a negative statement to indicate that a similar negative statement is also true. It means "likewise" or "also" in a negative context.
2. Determiner:
   • Used to refer to one or the other of two people or things.
   • Used to refer to each of two people or things.
3. Pronoun:
   • One or the other of two people or things.
4. Conjunction:
   • Used before the first of two (or occasionally more) alternatives that are linked by "or".

Usage

• As an Adverb (in negative clauses): It is placed at the end of a clause.
  • I don't like coffee, and I don't like tea either.
• As a Determiner: It is used before a singular noun.
  • You can park on either side of the street.
• As a Pronoun: It can be the subject or object of a verb.
  • There are two books. You can read either.
• As a Conjunction (Either...or...): It presents a choice between alternatives.
  • You can either stay or leave.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • "I haven't been to Paris." – "I haven't been there either."
  • She doesn't speak French, and she doesn't understand it either.
• Determiner:
  • There are trees on either bank of the river.
  • Either option is acceptable.
• Pronoun:
  • We have two flavors. Either is fine with me.
  • I don't want either of them.
• Conjunction:
  • The answer is either yes or no.
  • You can contact me either by phone or by email.

Advanced Usage

• "Either" for emphasis in negative agreement: Strengthens the agreement with a negative statement.
  • "I can't swim." – "I can't either!"
• "Either" meaning "both": In some formal or literary contexts, "either" can mean "each of two."
  • There were roses on either side of the path. (Meaning: on both sides)

Variants and Related Words

• Neither: The negative counterpart, meaning "not one and not the other."
  • I like neither coffee nor tea.
• Or: The conjunction used with "either" to present alternatives.

Synonyms

• Adverb: Also, too (in negative contexts), as well.
• Determiner/Pronoun: One or the other, any one (of two), each.
• Conjunction: Or.

Related Phrases

• Either way: Whichever of two possibilities is true or occurs.
  • We can go now or later. Either way is fine.
• Me either: Informal variant of "me neither" used for negative agreement.
  • "I don't like olives." – "Me either." (Note: "Me neither" is more traditionally correct, but "me either" is common in informal speech.)

Idioms

• "It's either feast or famine": A situation where there is either too much or too little of something.
  • Business is unpredictable here; it's either feast or famine.

Adverb

1. after a negative statement used as an intensive meaning something like `likewise' or `also'
   • he isn't stupid, but he isn't exactly a genius either
   • I don't know either
   • if you don't order dessert I won't either