either person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one of two individuals in a situation or context where a choice or option is being presented. Example: "In this case, either person can make the final decision regarding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Her interview marks the first time either person who was present in the room has publicly provided a narrative of what occurred there.

The New York Times

So while Venmo might come in handy for splitting the bill at a restaurant, Simple Shared accounts may be better for more things like paying bills with your roommates, given that it's a real bank account either person can access in order to view, manage, and analyze their shared spending and savings.

TechCrunch

One might wonder why, if things didn't work out the first time around, either person would want to rekindle the relationship.

Huffington Post

Either person alone could have avoided this being the central issue of their candidacies and focused on policy, as Wiener was successfully doing last week.

Huffington Post

This key is then protected by the devices' passcodes, plus an additional passcode in the app, in case either person leaves their phone unlocked.

Vice

I don't think either person is qualified.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Peons were either persons forced to work off debts or criminals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was either a person present in the classroom, or a person at home, such as a family member.

European Journal of Futures Research

Either one person dies or five do.

The Economist

Applications are submitted either in person or over the phone.

The Guardian

The participants could pose questions either in person or online, via e-mail or instant message.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When the context involves formal agreements or legal matters, consider using "either party" instead of "either person" for enhanced precision and formality.

Common error

Avoid using "either person" when referring to a group larger than two. "Either" specifically denotes one of two options. For groups of three or more, use phrases like "any person" or "any individual".

Linguistic Context

"Either person" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying the noun "person". It specifies that the reference is to one of two individuals. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts, emphasizing its role in indicating a choice or possibility involving one of two people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either person" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate one of two individuals. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific articles. While "either person" maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives like "either individual" or "either party" might be preferable in professional or legal settings. It's important to reserve the term for situations involving exactly two people. To avoid ambiguity with larger groups, use alternatives such as "any person" or "any individual".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either individual

Replaces "person" with "individual", offering a slightly more formal tone.

either party

Substitutes "person" with "party", suitable in legal or formal contexts referring to sides in an agreement.

either one

Uses "one" instead of "person" for a more generic reference to a single entity out of two.

either of the two

Emphasizes the selection from a pair, adding slight formality.

one of them

More informal alternative, implying selection from a group of two.

any of the two

Similar to "either of the two" but places a focus on possibility.

either side

Suitable when referring to opposing groups or factions.

one or the other

Highlights the choice between two options.

any one of the two

Adds emphasis that selection of one is acceptable

each one

Can be used in some contexts where "either person" is intended, focusing on individuality.

FAQs

How do I use "either person" in a sentence?

Use "either person" to indicate that one of two individuals has the option or ability to do something. For example: "In this agreement, "either person" can terminate the contract with a 30-day notice."

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

"Either person" refers to one of two specific individuals. "Any person" refers to any individual from a group of three or more, or an unspecified individual. Choose the term that accurately represents the scope of your reference.

Is it correct to say "either persons"?

No, "either persons" is grammatically incorrect. "Either" refers to one of two, so the singular form "person" should be used. The correct phrase is ""either person"".

What can I say instead of "either person" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using "either individual" or "either party", especially when referring to legal agreements or contracts.