being either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being either" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing options or alternatives, typically in a context where two or more possibilities are being considered. Example: "The outcome of the experiment depends on the conditions, being either favorable or unfavorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Key word, though, being "either".

The New York Times

Things that "resist being either signs or images".

The Guardian

Gangrene is differentiated as being either dry or moist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(of a character) being either an alphabetic character or a numeric character.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Software synthesizers have the benefit of being either free or very inexpensive.

Cornell University

In this case, you risk being either too concessionary or too demanding.

Harvard University

Policy approaches are categorized as being either pro-active or reactive.

Policy-Based Network Management Solutions for the Next Generation

The assemblies are classified as being either purely synthetic or functional.

Advances in Physical Organic Chemistry

Relationships in the family are genuine, without being either stereotypically strained or sentimental.

The Guardian - Books

Torture survivors risk being either identified too late or missed entirely.

The Guardian

"They are used to people being either for them or against them," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being either", ensure that the sentence structure clearly presents two distinct and mutually exclusive options. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting a sentence with "being either" without completing the alternative options. Ensure that both possibilities are explicitly stated to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being either" functions as a connector and qualifier, introducing two distinct possibilities or attributes that something can possess. As noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts to present alternative states or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being either" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to present two distinct alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples showcasing its application across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. While it is most commonly found in neutral contexts, it's essential to ensure clarity in sentence structure to avoid ambiguity. Remember to explicitly state both alternative options when using "being either" to guide your readers effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whether it is

This alternative directly presents two or more possibilities without the progressive aspect.

if it is

This alternative introduces a condition, implying a choice between options depending on that condition.

either being

This reverses the order of words, changing the emphasis and flow.

whether they are

This alternative uses a plural pronoun to refer to multiple items or entities.

if they are

Similar to "if it is", but using a plural pronoun, setting up a conditional scenario.

being one of

This phrase focuses on the inclusion within a set of possibilities.

is one of

This omits "being" and focuses on a static description of possibility.

being among

This suggests membership within a larger group or category.

as either

This modifies the structure of the sentence and its flow.

are either

Changes the verb tense and number agreement, affecting the sentence's subject.

FAQs

How to use "being either" in a sentence?

Use "being either" to present two alternative states or conditions. For example, "The result can be "being either positive" or negative."

What can I say instead of "being either"?

Alternatives include "whether it is", "if it is", or simply rephrasing the sentence to directly present the alternatives.

Which is correct, "being either A or B" or "either A or B"?

"Either A or B" is generally more concise and preferred. "Being either A or B" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly redundant, particularly when "A" and "B" are adjectives or nouns. In many cases, "whether A or B" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "being either" and "being both"?

"Being either" indicates a choice between two options, where only one can be true. In contrast, "being both" means that two qualities or states exist simultaneously.