Unit 38:
Grammar
Both, either, neither, so, nor
both
both + noun + and + noun
both + adjective + and + adjective
Use
Example
Helpful hints
To emphasise that
each things is true
Both Adam and Vicky said Colin was
very kind.
Simon is both rude and unkind.
We sometimes use of with both. We
always use this when it comes
before a pronoun.
I used to be good friends with
Lisa and Mike, but I’ve had an
argument with both of them.
To say the same
thing about two
things
My sister and I were both shocked by
what you said.
Jack and Jill both know lots of jokes.
either
either + noun + or + noun
either + adjective + or + adjective
either + verb + or + verb
Use
Example
Helpful hints
To talk about choice
between two things
I think I’ll buy a Valentine’s card with
either a puppy or a kitten on it.
I’m not sure how Tom will react –
he’ll be either happy or shocked!
You can either tell him how you feel
or hope he notices.
We sometimes use of with either.
We always use this when it comes
before a pronoun.
I really like Robert and Martin –
I’ll go out with either of them!
neither
neither + noun + nor + noun
neither + adjective + nor + adjective
neither + verb + nor + verb
Use
Example
Helpful hints
To emphasise that
each of two negative
things is true
I’ve got neither the time nor the
energy to take up a new hobby at the
moment.
What you said to Lucy was neither
true nor fair.
We sometimes use of with neither.
We always use this when it comes
before a pronoun.
Neither of us found Jackson’s
joke funny.
so, nor
so + do/ have/ be/ modal + subject
nor + do/ have/ be/ modal + subject
Use
Example
Helpful hints
To add more
Lisa is really unkind, and so is
You can also use these structures on
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