in either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in either" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where two options or alternatives are being discussed, often in conjunction with "of" or "case." Example: "You can choose to participate in either of the two workshops offered this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any surprises in either lineup?

The New York Times

Not true in either case.

The New Yorker

In either case he loses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(In either case, sofa time).

The New York Times

In either case, it's attention.

The New Yorker

No people were injured in either incident.

The New York Times

In either case, their days seemed endless.

The New Yorker

In either case levelness is important.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In either case, it frightened Jewel.

The New Yorker

He is not involved in either trust.

The New York Times

You can err in either direction.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in either", ensure that the sentence clearly presents two distinct possibilities or options. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in either" when more than two options are present, as it implies a choice between only two alternatives. For multiple options, consider using "in any" or rephrasing the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in either" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a condition or circumstance where one of two options applies. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is often used to present alternatives or possibilities, indicating that the statement holds true for both.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in either" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that a statement applies to one of two presented options or possibilities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and science. When writing, ensure clarity by presenting two distinct options and avoid using it when more than two options exist. Alternatives such as "in each case" or "under either circumstance" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. With its neutral register, "in either" is suitable for diverse writing styles, making it a reliable choice for expressing alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in each case

Replaces "either" with "each", emphasizing individual scenarios within a set.

in both instances

Substitutes "either" with "both instances", highlighting specific occurrences.

under either circumstance

Uses "under either circumstance" to specify conditions leading to a result.

irrespective of either option

Indicates that the outcome remains the same regardless of the choice made.

regardless of the alternative

Focuses on the lack of difference between two options.

for both possibilities

Highlights the consideration of two distinct possibilities.

concerning either selection

Emphasizes the relevance of something to a particular choice.

in the event of either one

Specifies that a certain outcome is possible given two potential scenarios.

with respect to either choice

Highlights the relevance or impact of a decision on a specific subject.

considering both scenarios

Suggests an evaluation of two different situations to determine a course of action.

FAQs

How to use "in either" in a sentence?

Use "in either" to introduce one of two possibilities or alternatives. For example, "You can contact me "in either case" by phone or email."

What can I say instead of "in either"?

Alternatives include "in each", "in both", or "under either circumstance", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "in either case" or "in either cases"?

"In either case" is correct. The word "case" should be singular when used with "either" because it refers to one of two possibilities considered individually.

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

"In either" is used when referring to one of two options, while "in any" is used when referring to one or more options from a group of three or more.