for either

USAGE SUMMARY

"for either" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used as a conjunction to introduce a clause when talking about two items or possibilities. For example: "We can go for a hike or a swim, for either would be a nice way to spend the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For either of you.

The New York Times

Not for either of them.

The New York Times - Sports

Best yet for either team.

The New York Times

No changes for either team.

The New York Times

(No fee for either).

The New York Times - Travel

No new bidder emerged for either company.

The New York Times

No casting was announced for either project.

The New York Times

"I can't vouch for either army.

The New Yorker

— ANDREW DAS No changes for either team.

The New York Times

That makes no sense for either country.

The New York Times

Nokia was not prepared for either one.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, you can use "for" as a conjunction meaning 'because', followed by "either" as a pronoun subject, though this is less common than the prepositional usage.

Common error

Avoid using "for either" when your list contains three or more options. In those instances, use "for any" or "for any of" to maintain grammatical precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for either" typically functions as a prepositional phrase where "either" acts as a pronoun or determiner referring to one of two possibilities. In more formal contexts, as noted by Ludwig AI, it can also appear where "for" acts as a coordinating conjunction (meaning 'because') introducing a clause with "either" as the subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI confirms that "for either" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used extensively in high-quality writing. Whether functioning as a prepositional phrase or a conjunction in more formal structures, it effectively bridges two distinct possibilities. The examples from The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its utility in both professional reporting and everyday instructions. Writers should confidently use this phrase to indicate individual application to two options while ensuring that the context clearly involves exactly two items. For more than two items, remember to switch to alternatives like "for any".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for either one

Adds emphasis to the individual nature of the two choices

for either of them

Uses a pronoun structure to refer to previously mentioned subjects

for both

Includes both items together rather than presenting them as alternatives

for both of them

A more explicit way to include both subjects mentioned

to either

Changes the preposition to indicate direction or applicability

for each

Emphasizes the individual application to every member of a set

as for either

Used as a transition to discuss two specific topics

in either case

Shifts focus to the situation or outcome rather than the items

for any

Broadens the scope beyond two items to an unspecified number

on either side

A spatial or positional variation of the concept

FAQs

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

You can use it to show that a cost, rule or condition applies to one of two choices, such as: The fee is ten dollars "for either tour".

What is the difference between "for either" and "for both"?

While "for both" implies the two items are taken together, "for either" suggests that the statement applies to each one individually as an alternative.

Can I use "for either" when there are three choices?

No, it is strictly used for two options. If there are more than two, you should use "for any" instead.

Is it correct to say "for either one"?

Yes, "for either one" is a very common and correct variation that adds a bit more emphasis to the singularity of the choice.