either by or

USAGE SUMMARY

No, the phrase "either by or" is not grammatically correct on its own.
It needs a subject and verb to make a complete sentence. It is often used as part of a longer sentence to introduce alternatives or choices. Example: "You can either go by car or take the train."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

These schemes promise to pay a guaranteed set amount, depending on your salary, and are run either by, or on behalf of, more than one employer.

The Guardian

No fewer than 10 lawsuits, claiming more than $250 million in damages, have been filed either by or against tabloid and mainstream media, local police, Ramsey neighbors and employees and JonBenet's family.

The New York Times

While it does not specifically mention women or domestic violence, Article 26 bars a broad swath of "relatives" from acting as witnesses, which presents a problem in a country where women are often cloistered at home and the bulk of violence committed against them is either by or in front of family members.

The Guardian

(Note: Many of the pieces we've chosen as "mentor texts" below, are either by or about young people, but some are not. Please use the choices as suggestions only: there are many, many pieces in The Times weekly that fit the Common App prompts well).

The New York Times

It will house about 500,000 papers either by or related to Mrs. Eddy.

The New York Times

As science fiction goes, it is usually the humans who need saving, either by or from the robots.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Democrats have been intimidated either by Mr. Bush or by Mr. Dean.

The New York Times

The warheads could be delivered either by missile or aircraft.

The Guardian

Either by intention or mistake, Thatcher had published bogus figures.

The Guardian

Blocks can be chosen either by name or by number.

Harvard University

Transfer of pollen may be either by wind or insects.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either by or", ensure it connects two grammatically parallel options. For example, "The task can be completed either by John or by Mary."

Common error

Avoid using "either by or" without completing the parallel structure. Incorrect: "The report was written either by the team or edited.". Correct: "The report was written either by the team or by an external consultant."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either by or" functions as a correlative conjunction, presenting two choices or alternatives. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase requires a completed structure to ensure grammatical correctness. The examples highlight its role in offering different options or methods.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either by or" serves as a correlative conjunction used to present alternatives. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically incomplete without a parallel structure to connect two similar options. While the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, ensuring correct grammatical structure is crucial for effective communication. Common errors involve a failure to maintain parallel structure, which should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either through or

Replaces "by" with "through", altering the preposition used to indicate means or agency.

either via or

Substitutes "by" with "via", suggesting a route or channel through which something is accomplished.

either using or

Replaces "by" with "using", emphasizing the instrument or method employed.

either with or

Changes "by" to "with", focusing on accompaniment or means through association.

either under or

Replaces "by" with "under", indicating control or influence.

either due to or

Substitutes "by" with "due to", shifting the focus to causation.

either because of or

Changes "by" to "because of", highlighting the reason or cause behind an action.

either as a result of or

Replaces "by" with "as a result of", further emphasizing consequence or outcome.

either on account of or

Substitutes "by" with "on account of", denoting reason or justification.

either derived from or

Changes "by" to "derived from", specifying origin or source.

FAQs

How to use "either by or" in a sentence?

Use "either by or" to present two options, ensuring both are grammatically parallel and complete. For example, "The book was delivered "either by mail or" in person".

What is a common mistake when using "either by or"?

A common mistake is failing to maintain parallel structure. The phrase should connect two similar grammatical elements, such as nouns or verb phrases. Ensure that the sentence is complete on both sides of the conjunction.

Is it correct to say "either by A or B"?

Yes, it is correct as long as A and B are parallel grammatical elements. For instance, "The decision was influenced "either by external factors" or internal pressures."

What's the difference between "either by" and "or by"?

"Either by" introduces the first option in a choice, while "or by" introduces the second. Both are needed to complete the correlative conjunction. For instance, "The problem was solved "either by collaboration" "or by individual effort"."