without either of the two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without either of the two" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one has excluded both of two options from consideration. For example, "I decided to take the bus instead of driving because I don't have access to a car or a bicycle, without either of the two."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is understood Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, is also declining to appear at the main BBC rally because he will not share a stage with Conservatives, leaving the Wembley event without either of the two main party leaders.

The Guardian

Some analysts, pointing to Mr Pawar's hostile past relations with Congress, foresee troubles ahead at the centre, as smaller parties, such as his, dream of a "third front" coalition without either of the two big parties.

The Economist

But Ponting, who will have a full set of fit fast bowlers to choose from now that Brett Lee has recovered from a rib injury, was not slow to seize on the possibility that England could go into the fourth Test without either of the two marquee names who started the series.

The Guardian - Sport

They are usually present in HIVE and MGNE, but frequently they are observed without either of the two diagnoses.

Current HIV/AIDS Reports

In patients with HAND without either of the two diagnoses, brain HIV RNA and DNA were not significantly higher than patients without HAND.

Current HIV/AIDS Reports

Similarly, patients with either of the two risk factors witnessed a significantly increased risk of bladder recurrence as compared to those without either of the two risk factors (with DM, P = 0.019; with ureteral involvement, P = 0.002, resp).

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He could actually prevail without winning either of the two big perennial battleground states, Ohio and Florida, simply by winning Indiana by itself or by winning both New Mexico and Virginia.

The New York Times - Magazine

The coalition is currently trying hard to devise policies that will stimulate the British economy without busting either of the two targets they hope to hit at the end of the parliament – eliminating the structural deficit by 2014-2015 and bringing down the debt-to-GDP ratio.

The Guardian

That was without activating either of the two power saving modes, one of which will give you around 36 hours of standby time from just 20% battery – a killer feature if you must have your phone last on extended trips away from a power source.

The Guardian - Tech

In 1563 Elizabeth proposed her own suitor, Robert Dudley, as a husband for Mary, without asking either of the two people concerned.

Wikipedia

The low specificity of the summed PHQ-9 score for diagnosing major depression is due to the fact that it is possible to diagnose the disorder without having either of the two cardinal symptoms of major depression.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without either of the two", ensure the context clearly identifies the two specific items or options being excluded. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "without either of the two" when referring to more than two items. This phrase is specifically for excluding exactly two options; for more than two, consider "without any of them" or a more specific enumeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without either of the two" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the absence or exclusion of two specific items or options. Ludwig shows examples where it is used to clarify conditions or limitations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without either of the two" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate the absence or exclusion of two specific items or options. Ludwig AI validates this usage, supported by examples from news, media, and scientific sources. While not extremely common, it is versatile enough for neutral and formal contexts. When using this phrase, make sure you are truly referring to only two distinct items. Related phrases like "lacking both of them" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without either one

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning, differing in length and slight emphasis.

excluding the two

A more concise way of saying that both are not included. Omitting 'either of' makes the sentence more compact.

lacking both of them

Emphasizes the absence of both items, differing in word choice and sentence structure.

missing both components

Highlights that both options are absent or not present.

excluding both options

Focuses on the act of excluding, presenting a more active voice compared to the original phrase.

omitting both choices

Similar to excluding, but emphasizes the act of leaving something out, providing a slightly different connotation.

neither of the two being present

Highlights the absence using a more formal tone.

devoid of the two

Similar to 'void of both', but it has more elegant language.

void of both

Implies a complete absence of both options, presenting a stronger emphasis on emptiness.

neglecting both possibilities

Shifts the focus to the act of neglecting, implying a conscious decision to disregard both options.

FAQs

How can I use "without either of the two" in a sentence?

You can use "without either of the two" to indicate the absence or exclusion of two specific options. For example, "The project can't proceed "without either of the two" key team members being present."

What are some alternatives to "without either of the two"?

Some alternatives include "lacking both of them", "excluding both options", or "neither being present". These phrases offer similar meanings and can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. For example, instead of saying "The dish was prepared "without either of the two" main spices", you could say "The dish was prepared "lacking both of them"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "without either of the two"?

Yes, the phrase "without either of the two" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reliable sources.

When should I use "without either of the two" versus "without any of the three"?

"Without either of the two" is used when you are excluding two specific items or options. "Without any of the three" is used when you are excluding three or more items. The choice depends on the number of options you are referring to. For instance, "The recipe failed "without either of the two" key ingredients" (two ingredients) versus "The project stalled "without any of the three" essential resources" (three resources).