Neither of them

USAGE SUMMARY

"Neither of them" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to two things or people and you want to say that neither of them has a certain quality, action, belief, etc. For example: "Neither of them had seen such a beautiful sight before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He trusts neither of them.

The New Yorker

Neither of them approved of Martin Manning.

The New Yorker

Neither of them moved.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither of them flinches.

The New York Times

Neither of them talked.

Independent

Neither of them did.

The New Yorker

Neither of them married.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neither of them was hurt.

The Guardian

Neither of them was twenty.

The New Yorker

Neither of them remembered me.

The New Yorker

Neither of them certain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Neither of them", ensure you are referring to exactly two entities. For more than two, use "None of them".

Common error

Avoid using "Neither of them" when referring to more than two items or people. "None of them" is the correct choice in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Neither of them" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a pronoun. It indicates that out of two specified entities (people or things), none possesses a particular attribute or fulfills a certain condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Neither of them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that neither of two entities possesses a particular attribute or meets a condition. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, and examples show its presence across varied sources, with prevalence in news and media. Alternatives like "None of the two" or "Not one of them" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Remember, it applies only to two entities; for more, use "None of them". Common errors involve misuse with plural entities, but understanding its proper application ensures clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

None of the two

Focuses specifically on the absence of something in both of the two entities.

Not one of them

Emphasizes individuality and the absence of a quality in each individual item.

Neither one

Highlights that not even a single element among the two possesses a certain attribute.

Not either of them

Directly negates the possibility of either one of the two being true or applicable.

In neither case

Refers to situations or cases, highlighting that a condition doesn't exist in either.

Not in either instance

Similar to "in neither case" but emphasizes specific occurrences or situations.

No one of the pair

Highlights that nobody, from both individuals in the pair, satisfies the condition.

Both do not

Expresses that two parties or items do not perform or exhibit a certain action or quality.

They both don't

Similar to "Both do not", but uses a more colloquial tone with an inverted structure.

Not a single one of them

Emphasizes the complete absence of something, adding a degree of surprise or disappointment.

FAQs

How do you use "Neither of them" in a sentence?

"Neither of them" is used to indicate that not one of two people or things is true or has a particular quality. For example, "Neither of them was prepared for the test."

What is the difference between "Neither of them" and "None of them"?

"Neither of them" refers to only two items or people, while "None of them" refers to three or more. If you are talking about a group of three or more, use "None of them".

Can I use "Neither of them are" instead of "Neither of them is"?

While traditionally "Neither of them is" is considered grammatically correct, "Neither of them are" is becoming more common, particularly in informal contexts. However, sticking to "Neither of them is" maintains formality and precision.

What can I say instead of "Neither of them"?

Alternatives include "None of the two", "Not one of them", or "Neither one", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.