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neither

neither + singular noun

We use neither before a singular noun to mean ‘not one and not the other (of two)’.

  • ‘Can you come on Monday or Tuesday?’ ‘I’m afraid neither day is possible.’

neither of + plural

We use neither of before a determiner (for example the, my, these), and before a pronoun. The noun or pronoun is plural.

  • Neither of my brothers can sing. (not Neither my brothers can sing.)
  • Neither of us saw it happen.

After neither of + noun/pronoun, we use a singular verb in a formal style.

  • Neither of my sisters is married.

In an informal style, a plural verb is possible.

  • Neither of my sisters are married.

neither used alone

We can use neither without a noun or pronoun, if the meaning is clear.

  • ‘Which one do you want?’ ‘Neither.’

Pronunciation

In British English, neither can be pronounced both /ˈnaɪðə(r)/ and /ˈniːðə(r)/. In American English, the usual pronunciation is /ˈniːðər/.

note

For neither … nor, (see here).