Either and neither: grammar exercise

Complete the following sentences using appropriate words.

1. ‘Can you come on Monday or Tuesday?’ ‘I’m afraid ………………………… day is possible.’

a) either

b) neither

2. ……………………….. my daughters is married.

a) neither of

b) neither

c) either could be used here

3. ‘I can’t dance.’ ‘………………………… can I.’

a) neither

b) either

c) either could be used here

4. John didn’t come to the party, and Peter didn’t ……………………………

a) either

b) neither

c) either could be used here

5. Neither of them ……………………….. there.

a) was

b) were

c) either could be used here

6. I don’t like ………………………….. my dance teachers.

a) either

b) either of

c) either could be used here

7. Either ………………………….. is quite capable of handling the situation.

a) of them

b) them

c) either could be used here

8. ‘Would you like tea or coffee?’ ‘I don’t mind. …………………………..’

a) either

b) neither

c) either could be used here

Answers

1. ‘Can you come on Monday or Tuesday?’ ‘I’m afraid neither day is possible.’

2. Neither of my daughters is married.

3. ‘I can’t dance.’ ‘Neither can I?’

4. John didn’t come to the party and Peter didn’t either.

5. Neither of them was there. (‘Neither of them were there’ is also possible in a less careful style.)

6. I don’t like either of my dance teachers.

7. Either of them is quite capable of handling the situation.

8. ‘Would you like tea or coffee?’ ‘I don’t mind. Either.’