either or

USAGE SUMMARY

"either or" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate two options, or two sides of an argument. For example, "We can either stay home or go out for dinner tonight".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Either, or both.

The Economist

It's usually either or".

The Guardian

"Today, it's either or".

The New York Times

It's not either or".

The New York Times

"It may be either or both.

The New York Times - Magazine

Can Lester be either, or both?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It's not an either-or proposition.

The New York Times

An either-or logic ignores this interdependence.

SEP

This is not an either-or proposition.

Forbes

Why this either-or?

The New York Times - Books

It can't be either-or.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either or", ensure that the sentence structure clearly presents two distinct and mutually exclusive options. For instance, "You can have "either" cake "or" ice cream, but not both."

Common error

Avoid failing to use parallel grammatical structure when writing sentences with "either or". For example, instead of saying ""Either" I will go to the store "or" going to the park", use ""Either" I will go to the store "or" I will go to the park" to maintain parallel structure.

How to use

Learn how to use "either or" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either or" functions as a correlative conjunction, presenting two alternatives. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in offering choices or outlining different possibilities, such as "Either, or both" or "It may be either or both."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

40%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "either or" is a common and grammatically correct correlative conjunction used to present two alternatives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable in various contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversation. Its usage is particularly frequent in news and media, as well as in scientific writing. A key writing tip is to ensure parallel structure in sentences using "either or" to avoid grammatical errors. Related phrases such as "one or the other" or "alternatively" can offer similar meanings, but the choice depends on the desired emphasis and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one or the other

Emphasizes the selection of a single option from the available choices.

this or that

Highlights a choice between two specific items or possibilities.

whether this or that

Introduces two options, expressing uncertainty or a question about which one will occur.

one of two

Focuses on the existence of two possibilities, without necessarily implying a choice.

alternatively

Suggests a different course of action or option.

in lieu of

Presents an alternative choice in place of something else.

as an alternative

Explicitly identifies the phrase as an alternative option.

vice versa

Indicates that two options are interchangeable or that the reverse is also true.

or else

Implies a consequence if the first option is not chosen.

the alternative being

Specifies that an alternative option exists and is being considered.

FAQs

How do you correctly use "either or" in a sentence?

The phrase "either or" is used to present two choices or possibilities, only one of which can be true or chosen. Example: "You can "either" stay home "or" go to the party." Make sure the elements following "either" and "or" are grammatically parallel.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "either or"?

Similar phrases include "one or the other", "this or that", and "alternatively". These phrases also present a choice between two options.

Is it grammatically correct to say "either or not"?

While not inherently incorrect, "either or not" can often be rephrased for clarity. Consider using "whether or not" instead. For example, instead of "I'm not sure "either" he will come "or not", it's clearer to say "I'm not sure "whether or not" he will come".

What is the difference between "either or" and "neither nor"?

"Either or" presents a choice between two options, indicating that one of them is true or possible. In contrast, "neither nor" indicates that "neither nor" of the options is true or possible. For example, ""Either" John "or" Mary will go" versus ""Neither" John "nor" Mary will go".