A Lesson on Using either, neither and too
In English, the words “either,” “neither,” and “too” are essential tools for expressing agreement, disagreement, and similarity. They help clarify preferences, choices, and connections between ideas in conversation and writing. “Either” and “neither” often come into play in discussions involving two options or when negating statements. Meanwhile, “too” is frequently used to add agreement or similarity to a prior statement. Mastering these words can enhance clarity and nuance in communication, providing ESL learners with the ability to express detailed responses in everyday conversations.
Look at the sentences below. A is the speaker. B answers, and sometimes
a third person C answers after B.
When you agree with the speaker…
A: I like ice cream. B: Me, too. or I do, too. or So do I.
A: I can play the piano. B: Me, too. or I can, too. or So can I.
A: I am hungry. B: Me, too. or I am, too. or So am I.
A: I don’t like hamburgers. B: Me, either. or Neither do I.
A: I can’t cook. B: Me, either. or Neither can I.
A: I’m not tired. B: Me either. or Neither am I.
In the sentences above, a third person (C) would say the same thing as the second person (B)
When you don’t agree with the speaker…
A: I love fried fish. B: I don’t. C: I don’t either. or Neither do I.
A: I am tall. B: I’m not. C: I’m not either. or Neither am I.
A: I can sing. B: I can’t. C: I can’t either. or Neither can I.
A: I don’t like chocolate. B: I do. C: I do, too.
A: I’m not Canadian. B: I am. C: I am, too.
A: I can’t speak English. B: I can. C: I can, too.
Note- there may be a few other possible ways to answer these questions.
To solidify your understanding of “either,” “neither,” and “too,” try this five-question practice quiz. Each question is designed to test your ability to correctly use these words in various contexts. Pay attention to the nuances of agreement, preference, and exclusion as you choose the right word to complete each sentence. This quiz will help you master the subtleties of these important conjunctions and adverbs, ensuring clearer and more effective English communication.
Now you try…Answer the questions using the examples above. Choose one response. (There may be more than one answer.) Check your answers by clicking on the arrows.
1. A: I like to play tennis. B: __________________________. (You like to play tennis.)
2. A: I can’t swim. B: __________________________. (You cannot swim.)
3. A: I’m not going to school today. B: __________________________. (You are going to school)
4. A: I don’t have a son. B: __________________________. (You don’t have a son)
5. A: I can’t speak Russian. B: __________________________. (You can speak Russian.
6. A: I like to drink beer. B: I don’t. C: __________________________. (C does not like beer)
7. A: I can’t hear the teacher. B: I can’t either. C: __________________________. (C can’t hear the teacher)
8. A: I’m not happy. B: Neither am I. C: __________________________. (C is not happy)
Answer Key:
- I do too. / Me, too. / So do I.
- Me either. / Neither can I.
- I am.
- Me either. / Neither do I.
- I can.
- I don’t either. / Neither do I.
- I can’t either.
- Me either. / Neither am I.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Either,” “Neither,” and “Too”
“Either” is used to present two options where at least one can be true or chosen, as in “You can choose either chocolate or vanilla.” “Neither” is used to indicate that none of the options are true or preferred, such as in “Neither chocolate nor vanilla appeals to me.”
“Too” is used to indicate that the same statement applies to another subject, usually in a positive context. For example, if someone says, “I love chocolate,” you can add, “I love chocolate, too.”
Yes, “either” can be used in negative constructions to mean “neither,” especially with “not.” For example, “I don’t like either chocolate or vanilla” means “I like neither chocolate nor vanilla.”
“Neither” should be paired with “nor” when it connects two items, as in “Neither the rain nor the snow will stop the event.” When standing alone, it negates the existence of two items collectively, like in “Neither of these options is suitable.”
While less common, “too” can start a sentence when emphasizing an additional point, often in formal writing or speech. For example, “Too, the cost must be considered,” although stylistically it is more common to say, “The cost, too, must be considered.”