on either end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on either end" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two opposite sides or extremes of something, such as a physical object or a range of options. Example: "The table has a drawer on either end for added storage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Put opposites on either end of each axis.

Stanford University

It's also water resistant, with reflective strips on either end.

The Guardian

Ns on either end of the resultant contigs were trimmed.

Nature

You can expand and contract it by tugging on either end.

Cornell University

We are unable to arrange for additional housing on either end of the institutes.

University of California, Berkeley

Restaurants and changing areas can be found on either end of the beach.

The New York Times

"We just didn't play together on either end of the court," forward Keith Van Horn said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We used to kind of sit on either end of the chairlift and not speak.

The New York Times - Travel

"He just doesn't look sharp on either end of the floor".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a curious feature of the global age that hardly anyone on either end knows it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The riot police formed walls on either end of the procession and closed the vise.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, ensure that using "on either end" clearly conveys that the items are located at the farthest points or limits, rather than just somewhere along the sides.

Common error

Avoid using "on either end" when you actually mean something is simply "on both sides". The phrase implies the outermost points, not just any location on the sides.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on either end" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate location or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe something situated at the extremities or boundaries of a space or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on either end" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate the presence of something at both extremities or sides of an object, space, or spectrum. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys frequent use across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific literature. When using "on either end", be mindful to convey the sense of being at the farthest points, distinguishing it from simply being "on both sides". While "on either end" is widely applicable, alternatives like "at both ends" or "at opposite ends" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at opposite ends

Highlights the opposition in position, making it clear that the two locations are facing away from each other.

at either extreme

Replaces "end" with "extreme", shifting the focus to the farthest points on a scale or range.

at both extremities

Replaces "either" with "both" and "end" with the more formal "extremities", emphasizing the position at the farthest points.

at the extremities

A shorter version of "at both extremities", it has more formal tone.

at both terminals

Uses "terminals" instead of "ends", which is useful in more technical or formal contexts.

at the two limits

Replaces "either end" with the more descriptive "the two limits", highlighting the maximum or minimum extents.

on opposing sides

Similar to "on both sides" but stresses the aspect of being in opposition.

on both sides

A more general phrase that focuses on the presence on two sides without necessarily implying the extreme points.

at both boundaries

Uses "boundaries" instead of "ends", emphasizing the limits or borders.

at each edge

Substitutes "end" with "edge", suitable when referring to the border or boundary of something.

FAQs

How can I use "on either end" in a sentence?

The phrase "on either end" is used to indicate that something is located at both extremities or sides of an object, space, or range. For example, "The table has a drawer on either end" or "The spectrum has extreme viewpoints on either end".

What are some alternatives to "on either end"?

You can use alternatives like "at both ends", "at opposite ends", or "on both sides" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on either ends" instead of "on either end"?

No, the correct phrase is "on either end". The word "end" should be singular because "either" refers to one of two options, not multiple ends.

What's the difference between "on either end" and "on either side"?

"On either end" specifically implies the farthest points or extremities. "On either side" is more general and simply means on both sides, without necessarily being at the extreme points.