either water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either water" is not complete and lacks context, making it unclear in written English.
It could be used in a context where options are being presented, but it needs to be part of a larger phrase to convey a clear meaning. Example: "You can choose either water or soda with your meal."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The specific humidity of saturated air (i.e., that in equilibrium with a vapour source, either water or ice) increases rapidly with increasing temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a solvent either water or a solvent mixture of water with methanol or ethanol was used.

Electrochimica Acta

But the most popular boy toy was a plastic gun, either water or firecracker.

Huffington Post

The amount of light available at a particular time determines the source of electrons that are used for NADPH production— either water or glycogen.

Plosone

This, however, does not confound any result shown, as always the same method (either water bath or climate cabinet) was used within one experiment.

Plosone

We found no differences between the low flow, either water or mechanical valve, and the high flow CPAP systems.

Critical Care

In the NO-off form in vitro, either water or ammonia, depending on buffer type, is bound to the sixth site.

Biochemistry

Pour either water or broth into the jar and fill it to within an inch of the top.

WikiHow

Salt-packed anchovies must be soaked in either water or milk before being used.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Polymerized cyclodextrins are high molecular weight compounds, either water-soluble or insoluble.

BioMed Research International

The viscous carriers are generally either water-soluble polymers, such as sodium hyaluronate or carboxymethylcellulose, or anhydrous water-miscible solvents, such as glycerol.

Acta Biomaterialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the phrase "either water" is always followed by a contrasting alternative. For example, "either water or juice" provides a clear choice, making your writing unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "either water" without specifying the alternative. Phrases like "choose either water" are incomplete and leave the reader wondering what the other option is. Always complete the comparison for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either water" functions as a part of a correlative conjunction, setting up an option between water and another unspecified element. This construction requires a corresponding "or" to present the alternative. As pointed out by Ludwig, the phrase needs to be part of a larger construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either water" is grammatically acceptable but incomplete on its own. As Ludwig AI points out, it functions as part of a correlative conjunction requiring an "or" to introduce a contrasting alternative. Without this alternative, the phrase lacks clarity. Examples show its usage across science, news, and general contexts, but always in conjunction with another option. To ensure effective communication, always follow "either water" with a specified alternative to provide a clear choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either liquid water

Adds the adjective "liquid" to clarify the form of water being referenced.

either potable water

Specifies that the water is safe for drinking.

either H2O

Replaces "water" with its chemical formula, making it more technical.

either purified water

Indicates that the water has been treated to remove impurities.

either deionized water

Refers to water with ions removed, common in scientific contexts.

either tap water

Specifies water from a faucet.

either drinking water

Highlights the intended use of the water for consumption.

either distilled water

Emphasizes that water has been purified through distillation.

either water source

Focuses on the origin or supply of the water.

either water type

Highlights the variety or category of water.

FAQs

How can I use "either water" in a sentence?

The phrase "either water" needs a contrasting element to make sense. For instance, you could say, "You can have "either water or juice"." The "or" introduces the alternative.

What's a more descriptive alternative to "either water"?

Consider being more specific based on the context. For example, instead of "either water", you might use "either tap water or bottled water" to provide more information.

Is it grammatically correct to say just "either water"?

While not technically incorrect, "either water" is incomplete without a contrasting alternative. It sets up an expectation of choice that needs to be fulfilled for grammatical clarity.

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

"Either water" implies a choice between water and something else, whereas "any water" refers to water in a general, non-restrictive sense. The phrases are not interchangeable.