either impairs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either impairs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two or more options that can negatively affect something or someone. Example: "The medication can either impair your ability to concentrate or cause drowsiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

These results suggest that ethanol either impairs the clearance of autophagosomes or affects authophagic catabolism.

Cell Death and Disease

This evidence suggests that knockdown of IL13Rα2 either impairs extravasation of MIV cells in the lungs, or reduces survival in the circulation, or suppresses the colonization of secondary organs.

Breast Cancer Research

The observed differential effects on synaptic efficacy and function in TBPH LOF and GOF suggest that Drosophila TDP-43 dysfunction either impairs post-synaptic efficacy or alters the size or loading of synaptic vesicles, which is consistent with the observed behavioral phenotypes of TBPH LOF and GOF (Fig.  3).

Human Molecular Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A restricted number of genes showed either impaired variation when compared with control cells (clusters b and d) or variation restricted to cells with low levels of HP1γ (Figure 5B, cluster e), but their analysis did not reveal any convergent function.

Plosone

However, although several mutations either impaired or enhanced ATP binding, there was no correlation between the disease phenotypes and the ATP-binding phenotype.

Biochemistry

Distinct immune infiltrates can either impair the metastatic process or conversely, assist in the seeding, colonization and growth of disseminated cancer cells.

Breast Cancer Research

The ultimate objective is to identify new treatment strategies, which could either impair robustness against stimuli or outsmart compensatory survival mechanisms.

Cell Communication and Signaling

This can partly be explained by the role of high dose steroids on CSF dynamics and vascular endothelium: steroid treatment has a paradoxical effect on CSF absorption and can either impair or facilitate its absorption.

F1000Research

Most alpha subunit mutations that have been studied to date either impair proreceptor processing and thus cell surface expression of mature receptors, or severely affect insulin binding to the receptor [ 4, 7].

Diabetologia

The grade IV class in equestrianism is for athletes who have either impaired vision, arm or leg function.

The Guardian - Sport

Grade IV: Ambulant athletes with either impaired vision or reduced motion or muscle strength or impaired arm or leg function.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either impairs", ensure you provide a clear alternative or condition that is also being considered. This construction indicates a choice between two potentially negative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "either impairs" without a corresponding "or" clause. The "either/or" construction requires two distinct possibilities; omitting the "or" creates an incomplete and grammatically incorrect sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either impairs" functions as part of a correlative conjunction, presenting two alternative negative consequences or effects. As Ludwig AI points out, it is often used to suggest a choice between two possible detrimental outcomes. The phrase indicates a potential reduction in quality, function, or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either impairs" is a grammatically correct construction used to present two possible negative consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as part of a correlative conjunction and is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide a clear "or" clause to complete the construction. The phrase has a neutral to formal register and serves to highlight potential negative outcomes. Consider alternatives like "or hinders" or "or diminishes" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or impedes

Uses "impedes" instead of "impairs", suggesting a blockage or obstruction to progress.

alternatively undermines

Changes the verb "impairs" to "undermines", suggesting a weakening or subversion.

or hinders

Substitutes "impairs" with "hinders", implying an obstruction or delay.

or diminishes

Replaces the verb phrase with a simpler synonym, "diminishes", indicating a reduction in quality or effectiveness.

or compromises

Replaces "impairs" with "compromises", indicating a weakening or endangering of something.

alternatively weakens

Changes "impairs" to "weakens", suggesting a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

or negatively impacts

Emphasizes the negative consequence with a more direct phrasing.

or adversely affects

Uses a more formal phrasing to express a negative impact.

alternatively degrades

Replaces "impairs" with "degrades", suggesting a decline in quality or condition.

or reduces the efficacy of

Focuses on reducing effectiveness as an alternative to impairing.

FAQs

How to use "either impairs" in a sentence?

The phrase "either impairs" is used to present two possible negative effects or outcomes. For example, "The drug "either impairs" your judgment or causes drowsiness."

What can I say instead of "either impairs"?

Alternatives include "or hinders", "or diminishes", or "or compromises", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "either impairs" or "either impair"?

"Either impairs" is correct when referring to a singular subject. If referring to a plural subject, you would use "either impair". For example, "Stress can "either impair" or enhance performance."

What's the difference between "either impairs" and "both impair"?

"Either impairs" suggests that only one of two options has a negative impact, whereas "both impair" indicates that both options have a negative effect. For example, "Either impairs memory or causes confusion", vs. "Both drugs impair cognitive function".