either one of them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'either one of them' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used typically in sentences when one or two options are being presented. For example, "You can choose either one of them; both are excellent options".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Don't look for me to sign on with either one of them," Ms. Pope said.

The New York Times

I like either one of them.

The New York Times

I never heard from either one of them again.

The Guardian - Tech

"I don't like either one of them," Peterson told me.

The New Yorker

"I could have gone with either one of them.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't want to see either one of them gone".

The New York Times

"I don't think either one of them made us proud".

The New York Times

I'm not much like either one of them.

The New York Times

"I could have supported either one of them," he said.

The New York Times

He doesn't have either one of them today".

The New York Times

I had no intention of climbing either one of them.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "either one of them" when presenting two clear choices or options. This phrase is useful for clarifying that a selection needs to be made between those specific two items.

Common error

Avoid using "either one of them" when there are more than two options. "Either" implies a choice between two, so using it with a larger set can be grammatically incorrect and confusing. For multiple options, use "any one of them" or "one of them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either one of them" functions as a determiner phrase, indicating a choice between two specific entities. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts where a selection is to be made from a pair of options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either one of them" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate a choice between two options. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to present a possibility or selection from a specific pair. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as seen in Ludwig's examples, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. When writing, remember that "either one of them" should only be used when referring to two options; for more than two, consider alternatives like "any one of them". Its high frequency in authoritative sources underlines its acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of the two

This alternative focuses on the selection from a set of two, simplifying the expression.

either of the two

This emphasizes that there are specifically two options to choose from.

one or the other

Highlights the mutual exclusivity of the options; choosing one means not choosing the other.

any one of the two

This phrase adds emphasis on the freedom to choose any option out of the pair.

one of those two

Specifies a particular pair of options that have already been mentioned.

either selection

This is a more concise way to refer to selecting one from two options.

each alternative

Focuses on the individual options rather than the act of choosing.

whichever of the two

Implies that the choice doesn't matter, as either option is acceptable.

any alternative

Broadens the scope to include any possible alternative among the two.

a choice between them

Emphasizes the decision-making process between two defined options.

FAQs

How can I use "either one of them" in a sentence?

Use "either one of them" when referring to a choice between two specific options. For example, "You can pick "either one of them"; both are great choices".

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

"Either one of them" is used when there are exactly two options, while "any one of them" is used when there are more than two options to choose from.

Is it correct to say "either one of them" when referring to more than two items?

No, it's not correct. "Either one of them" is specifically for two options. For more than two, use "any one of them" or "one of them".

What can I say instead of "either one of them"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "one of the two" or "either of the two", which also emphasize a choice between two.