Not Either--Neither Nor.

In the English language, either and neither can become confusing in their meanings. Sometimes, a writer can use either one and other times the writer will have to choose between the two words to make the writing clear.

Some rules on either:

Either or is used to give choice between two possibilities:

Either the dragon or the magician will attend the party.

One of them will bring either cupcakes or pumpkin pie.

Either can be followed by (one of) and then the group of two:

Either the dragon or the magician could be in charge of the baking.

Either one of them could be in charge of the baking.

Not either, denies both possibilities:

The king does not think either the dragon or the magician will show up.

The dragon does not speak well without either blowing out fire or smoke.

Not either, is used after a negative statement:

The king does not like to be blasted by the dragon.

I don’t either.

Neither nor, is the equivalent to not either or.

Neither the dragon nor the magician are likely to attend the party.

The dragons speaks neither English nor Elven.

Neither can also be followed by (one of) and then the group of two:

Neither of them will be attending.

Neither one of them will be attending.

Neither is used like not either.

The dragons does not speak Elven.

Neither do I.

I do not either.

(informal): Me neither.

In summary:

Either means one, neither means none, and not either equals neither. Or goes with either and nor goes with neither.

To learn more about my dragon books for children, visit my author's website at: http://www.dragonsbook.com

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copyright Diane Mae Robinson, 2014

Easy grammar lessons for kids and dragons