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either

either + singular​

We use either with a singular noun to mean ‘one or the other’ of two.

  • Come on Tuesday or Thursday. Either day is OK. (not Either days …)
  • She didn’t get on with either parent. (not … either parents)

either of​

We use either of before a determiner (for example the, my, these) or a pronoun. A following noun is plural.

  • You can use either of the bathrooms.
  • I don’t like either of my history teachers.
  • I don’t like either of them.

A verb after either of is more often singular, but it can sometimes be plural in an informal style.

  • Either of the children is perfectly capable of looking after the baby.
  • She just doesn’t care what either of her parents say(s).

Without a noun​

We can use either alone if the meaning is clear.

  • ‘Would you like tea or coffee?’ ‘I don’t mind. Either.’

Pronouns​

When a pronoun is used later in a clause to refer back to either + noun/pronoun, the later pronoun can be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).

  • If either of the boys phones, tell him/them I’ll be in this evening.

either side/end​

In these expressions, either sometimes means ‘each’.

  • There are roses on either side of the door.

Pronunciation​

Either is pronounced /ˈaɪðə(r)/ or /ˈiːðə(r)/ (in American English usually /ˈiːðər/).

note

For either … or, (see here).

For not … either, neither and nor, (see here).