Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the topic: 'Either,' 'Neither,' and 'Both.' It discusses the two common pronunciations for 'either' and 'neither,' explaining that both are correct and widely used, without a significant American or British distinction.
The speaker explains the fundamental difference: 'Either' means two choices, pick one. 'Neither' means two choices, pick zero. 'Both' means two choices, pick two. This core concept is illustrated with examples like choosing shirts.
This section covers the set combinations 'either..or' and 'neither..nor.' Examples include buying tablets and describing nationality. The importance of balancing the grammatical structure with these combinations is highlighted. It also warns against double negatives and notes that 'neither..nor' is more formal in spoken English.
The video explains the use of 'either' with a singular noun, 'neither' with a singular noun, and 'both' with a plural noun. Examples include choosing a day for a lesson. A special exception is noted for 'either side,' which often means 'both sides.'
This part details how 'of' affects the structure when followed by a plural pronoun (e.g., 'either of them'). It clarifies that 'either of' and 'neither of' take a singular verb, even when referring to two people, though many native speakers use a plural verb in casual speech.
The video expands on the structure by adding a determiner (e.g., 'your,' 'my') before the plural noun. Examples are given using resumes, demonstrating how 'either of your resumes' or 'neither of your resumes' are used.
This section shows how 'either,' 'neither,' and 'both' can be used alone as short answers or responses when the context is clear, such as responding to a choice between a comedy or drama.
The final part focuses on using 'either' and 'neither' to agree with negative statements, such as 'Neither did I' or 'I didn't either.' It also addresses the common, but grammatically incorrect, phrase 'Me either' in spoken American English, contrasting it with the correct 'Me neither.'