Neither-Either | Commonly Confused Words

Neither

/ˈnaɪðə/

Used to indicate that none of the options are true or applicable.

If you go away, neither will survive.Neither noise, nor breath!You're not alone in this – neither am I.

/ˈaɪðər/

Used to refer to one or the other of two things

You mustn't let that child make that noise either.And yet without a word on either side.I have never seen either Mr. or Mrs. Elton.

Both words are used to refer to choices or alternatives, but neither means not one and not the other, while either refers to one or the other.
Neither is often used in negative sentences, whereas either is used more often in positive sentences or to form questions.
Remember that neither rejects both options, whereas either allows for the potential of both.
Neither is used when you want to side with none of the options available, while either implies a willingness to accept at least one option.
If you replace either with both, the sentence structure and meaning usually wouldnt make sense, whereas replacing neither with both' creates a negative meaning instead.