A.We use both, neither and either when we are talking about two things. You can use this word with a noun:
- Both restaurants are very good. (not 'the both restaurants')
- Neither restaurant is expensive.
- We can go to either restaurant. I don't mind. (either = one or the other, it doesn't matter which one)
- I didn't like either restaurant. (not the one or the other)
B. You can also use both / neither / either with of ... When you use these words of, you always need the / these / those / my / your / his etc. You can not say 'both of restaurants'. You have to say 'both of the restaurants', 'both of these restaurants' etc. :
- Both of these restaurants are very good.
- Neither of the restaurants we went to was (or were) expensive.
- We can go to either of those restaurants. I don't mind.
With both you can leave out of. So you can say :
both my parents or both of my parents
C. After both of / neither of / either of you can also use us / you / them :
- Can either of you speak Japanese?
- I wanted Eka and Angga to come but neither of them wanted to.
You must say 'both of' before us / you / them :
- Both of us were vere tired. (not 'Both us ...')
D. After neither of ... you can use a singular or plural verb :
- Neither of the children wants (or want) to go to school.
- Neither of us is (or are) married.
E. You can say both ... and ..., neither ... nor ..., either ... or .... Study these examples :
- Both Edi and Kevin were late.
- They were both tired and hungry.
- Neither Anggun nor Rahmah came to the party.
- He said he would contact me, but he neither wrote nor phoned.
- I'm not sure where he is from. He's either Spanish or Italian.
- Either you apologize or I'll never speak to you again.
F. You can also use both / neither / either alone :
- "Is he British or American ?" "Neither. He's Australian."
- "Do you want tea or coffee ?" "Either. I don't mind."
- I couldn't decide which one to choose. I liked both.
Read more: English Grammar in Use_Raymond Murphy
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