either for

USAGE SUMMARY

"either for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to introduce two options or two choices. For example, "You can take the train or drive either for the same cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

No dramatic entrance either for waiting fans.

Independent

Or me, either, for that matter".

The New Yorker

We didn't like it either, for years".

The New York Times

Didn't answer them, either, for that matter.

The New Yorker

One was either for the Revolution or for tyranny.

The New York Times

No new fracking, either for oil or gas.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You're either for change or for the status quo".

The New York Times

But shrimp is worth having, either for appetizer or entree.

The New York Times

There was nothing either for Moon or The Damned United.

The Guardian - Film

Drink books are now either for gifts or reference.

The Guardian - Books

You are either for it or against it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "either for" to clearly present two distinct options or possibilities. Ensure the context makes both choices equally viable.

Common error

Avoid using "either for" when you should use "whether for". "Either for" presents a choice between two defined options, while "whether for" expresses doubt or condition regarding a single action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either for" functions as a correlative conjunction, introducing the first of two presented possibilities or alternatives. It sets up a binary choice, clarifying that one option or the other is applicable, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce the first of two options or possibilities. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. To ensure correct usage, remember to use it in conjunction with "or" to present a clear binary choice. Keep in mind that mixing it up with similar terms such as "whether for" is a common mistake, so pay attention to the context. By following these recommendations, you’ll be able to seamlessly integrate "either for" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an alternative to

Highlights the interchangeable nature of two options.

or in favour of

Replaces 'either' with 'in favour of', focusing on support or preference.

instead of

Indicates a direct replacement or substitution.

as another option for

Specifies that something is being considered as an additional possibility.

alternatively for

Substitutes 'either' with 'alternatively', suggesting a different option or choice.

as a substitute for

Replaces 'either' with 'as a substitute', indicating a replacement or alternative.

in place of

Indicates something is used instead of something else, similar to an alternative.

on behalf of

Changes the meaning to acting in the interest of, not a direct alternative.

to represent

Focuses on symbolizing or acting as a proxy, which is different.

as regards

Introduces a topic of consideration, but less direct.

FAQs

How to use "either for" in a sentence?

Use "either for" to present two options. For example, "That money could be used "either for" weapons or relief."

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

"Either for" introduces the first of two choices, while "or for" introduces the second choice. You need both to make sense. You cannot just use "or for" without "either for".

What can I say instead of "either for"?

Depending on the context, you could use "alternatively for", "as a substitute for", or "in place of".

Is it correct to say "neither for"?

Yes, "neither for" is correct when you want to say that something is not true for both options. For example, "Neither is there an appetite "either for" Security Council resolutions or for sanctions."