either of the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either of the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to introduce two or more possibilities. For example: "You have the option to choose either of the two books for your assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Either of the main parties could split.

The Guardian - Opinion

Taken prior to teaching either of the above courses.

Stanford University

Either of the above or hydro or geothermal or tidal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Either of the above would make sense, economically and politically.

The New York Times

Either of the USB-C ports can charge the system.

Forbes

We note that implies either of the following.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Otherwise, classify either of the two octahedral geometries.

Journal of Cheminformatics

I'm not either of the two.

Huffington Post

Do either of the following scenarios sound familiar?

Huffington Post

He did not name either of the women.

HuffPost

Either of the two could be eliminated with a loss.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by explicitly stating the two options following the phrase, for example: "You can choose either of the available routes, the scenic path or the highway."

Common error

Avoid using "either of the" when referring to more than two items. Using "any of the" or specifying "any one of the three" clarifies the selection process and avoids potential confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either of the" functions as a determiner phrase introducing a selection between two specified options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. Examples show its consistent usage in diverse sentences across reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

23%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either of the" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to introduce a selection between two options. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across diverse contexts, from news and academic writing to general communication. While "either of the" is very common, it's crucial to use it when only two options are available to avoid ambiguity. For scenarios involving more than two choices, consider using "any of the" instead. This ensures clarity and precision in your writing, maintaining professionalism and avoiding potential misinterpretations. Popular sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC frequently employ the term, further attesting to its reliability and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of the two

Focuses on selecting a single item from a pair, similar to "either of the" but with a slight emphasis on the selection itself.

any of the two

Indicates that the choice is not restricted and any of the two options is acceptable.

one or other of the

British English alternative that emphasizes the availability of both options but the selection of only one.

each of the two

Emphasizes that a statement applies individually to both options.

every one of the two

Stresses the consideration of each option individually.

whichever of the two

Highlights the indifference in choosing between the two options.

any between the two

Focuses on the possibility of having something in between the limits of the two mentioned options, or choosing among them.

a choice between the two

Rephrases the concept as a selection process rather than directly indicating one of the options.

the alternative between the two

Highlights that there is an alternative between the two options that can be considered.

either one of them

Replaces "the" with "them" for a slightly more informal tone, still referring to two specific options.

FAQs

How do I use "either of the" in a sentence?

Use "either of the" when presenting a choice between two specific options. For example: "You can select "either of the options" presented."

What's the difference between "either of the" and "any of the"?

"Either of the" refers to a choice between two options, while "any of the" indicates a choice from more than two. Use "either" for two and "any" for three or more.

Is it correct to say "either of the three"?

No, it's not correct. "Either" implies a choice between two. For three or more options, use "any of the" instead.

What are some alternatives to using "either of the"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "one of the two", "any of the two", or "one or other of the" to convey a similar meaning.