or either

USAGE SUMMARY

"or either" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to contrast between two possibilities in a sentence. For example, "You can stay at home and watch TV, or either take a walk outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All terms should be used together in an OR (either) relationship.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Or either of them at all.

The New Yorker

government, or either house of the..

Cornell University

Was the "i" before the "e" or neither or either?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You are welcome to come to both or either event!

University of California, Berkeley

Male pattern baldness is inherited, but from both or either side of your genetic line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lack of both (or either) is said to be a cause for osteoporosis.

Harvard University

The key to the problem is not the political views or either party, but the lobbyists.

University of California, Berkeley

They are purifying that or either an object or a series of objects on this table.

Yale University

Even now, it is hard to tell if she is both, or either.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a neither-nor or either-or construction, the verb agrees with the closest part of the subject.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or either" to clearly present an alternative, ensuring the context makes the relationship between the options obvious. For example, 'You can choose option A, "or either" option B.'

Common error

Avoid using "or either" in sentences where the "or" already clearly indicates a choice. Redundant constructions like "either...or either" should be avoided for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or either" functions as a conjunction, connecting two alternatives or possibilities. It presents the second option as a valid choice, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "or either" serves as a conjunction to introduce an alternative option. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across news, academic, and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to avoid redundancy in sentence construction. Consider alternatives like "or alternatively" or "or instead" for variety. Using "or either" can effectively emphasize a second option, ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or alternatively

Introduces the second option as a clear alternative.

or instead

Replaces the first option with the second.

or even

Emphasizes that the second option is more surprising or extreme than the first.

or also

Adds the second option as an additional possibility.

or in the alternative

More formal way of presenting an alternative option.

or one of the two

Highlights that only one of the options should be selected.

or otherwise

Offers a general alternative.

or whichever

Indicates a free choice between the options.

or a combination of both

Suggests the possibility of both options being chosen.

or any other

Includes any other option that might be possible.

FAQs

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

Use "or either" to present a second option or possibility. For example, "You can have tea, "or either" coffee."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "or either"?

Phrases like "or alternatively", "or instead", and "or even" can be used similarly to introduce another option or possibility.

Is it grammatically correct to use "or either"?

Yes, the phrase "or either" is grammatically correct and commonly used to present an alternative. However, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and not redundant.

What's the difference between "or" and "or either"?

"Or" introduces a choice, while "or either" emphasizes the alternative as a separate, distinct option. Both are correct, but "or either" can add emphasis.