in either of the two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in either of the two" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when there is a choice between two options. For example: "You can take the car or the bus - just pick in either of the two."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chance of an upset in either of the two fights is slight.

The New York Times - Sports

These additional sites of plasticity have not been tested in either of the two mutants.

Nature

Or, for that matter, in either of the two rounds that followed.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kilpatrick would also be forced from office if convicted of a felony in either of the two criminal cases.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, there are no big personalities in either of the two parties who could lead the required change.

The Guardian

We were unable to discern evidence of diel vertical migratory by the Alexandrium population in either of the two experiments.

Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography

These reactors operate in either of the two characteristic regimes: particulate or homogeneous, and aggregative or heterogeneous.

Advances in Chemical Engineering

He was not buried in either of the two Jewish cemeteries, with their lurching gravestones, faded inscriptions and advancing lichen.

The New York Times

No decision has been made on whether he will play in either of the two remaining preseason games..

The New York Times - Sports

It does not figure in either of the two education bills that have been introduced by Ms Gelmini.

The Economist

No-one was injured in either of the two incidents.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in either of the two" when you want to clearly indicate that a statement applies to one, but not necessarily both, of two specific options or items. For example, "The rule applies in either of the two countries involved."

Common error

Avoid using "in both of the two" when you mean "in either of the two". "In both of the two" suggests that something applies to both options simultaneously, while "in either of the two" suggests it applies to one or the other individually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in either of the two" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, specifying that something applies to one option or the other out of a pair of options. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in either of the two" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that a statement or condition applies to one, but not necessarily both, of two specific options. The phrase is versatile, appearing in both formal and informal writing, but it is particularly prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the two options being referenced and avoid confusing it with "in both of the two", which implies simultaneous application to both options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in either one of the two

This alternative replaces 'of' with 'one of', slightly emphasizing the individual options.

in one or the other of the two

This alternative emphasizes the selection process between the two options.

in either of both

This version uses "both" instead of "the two", maintaining the same meaning with a slight variation in wording.

in either case

This alternative is a more concise way of expressing the same idea, suitable when the two options are clear from the context.

in either situation

Similar to "in either case", this phrase focuses on the circumstances rather than the specific options.

in both cases

This refers to both options collectively instead of individually, changing the emphasis.

in both instances

This alternative focuses on occurrences or events rather than choices.

in each scenario

This shifts the focus to hypothetical situations, which might not be directly related to a choice.

under either circumstance

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the conditions surrounding the options.

irrespective of which

This phrase indicates that the outcome is the same no matter which option is chosen, changing the focus to indifference.

FAQs

How can I use "in either of the two" in a sentence?

You can use "in either of the two" to indicate that a condition or statement applies to one, but not necessarily both, of two specific options. For example, "Participation is voluntary "in either of the two" programs offered."

What's the difference between "in either of the two" and "in both of the two"?

"In either of the two" implies a choice or application to one of two options individually, whereas "in both of the two" indicates something applies to both options collectively and simultaneously.

What are some alternatives to using "in either of the two"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "in either case", "in one or the other of the two", or "in either situation".

Is it grammatically correct to use "in either of the two"?

Yes, "in either of the two" is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to refer to a condition or situation that applies to one, but not necessarily both, of two options.