English grammar
Both, neither of, either, each
Talk about two people or things: both, neither of, either, each.
From the scene You're both champions
In short
Both: the two together; neither of: not one, not the other. Either: one or the other; each: one at a time.
Your turn
Which one goes with the two together, a question?
Options: neither of them ever loses · are you both playing? · you're both champions
Show answer
the two together, a question → are you both playing?
How it works
Both means the two together, takes a plural verb and goes after be: you're both champions.
Good to know
Neither of + us or them means not one and not the other, and in careful English its verb is singular: neither of them ever loses.
Good to know
Either means one or the other, it doesn't matter which: either pair could win. Each looks at the two one at a time: fifty each.
the two together, after be you're both champions
Tomás
Fantastic, you've won! You're both champions!
¡Fantástico, han vencido! ¡Ambos son campeones!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Fantastic, you've won! (blank)!
Options: You're both champions · Are you both playing · Neither of them ever loses
Show answer
Tomás
Fantastic, you've won! You're both champions!
¡Fantástico, han vencido! ¡Ambos son campeones!
the two together, a question are you both playing?
Tomás
The final of the card tournament! Are you both playing?
¡La final de mus! ¿Juegan ambos la partida?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
The final of the card tournament! (blank)?
Options: Neither of them ever loses · Are you both playing · You're both champions
Show answer
Tomás
The final of the card tournament! Are you both playing?
¡La final de mus! ¿Juegan ambos la partida?
not one and not the other neither of them ever loses
Ramón
Against the Gómez brothers, two museum pieces. Neither of them ever loses.
Contra los Gómez, dos piezas de museo. Ninguno de los dos pierde nunca.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Against the Gómez brothers, two museum pieces. (blank).
Options: Neither of them ever loses · You're both champions · Are you both playing
Show answer
Ramón
Against the Gómez brothers, two museum pieces. Neither of them ever loses.
Contra los Gómez, dos piezas de museo. Ninguno de los dos pierde nunca.
one or the other, any either pair could win
Tomás
I've bet the minimum. Either pair could win.
He apostado el mínimo. Cualquiera de las dos parejas puede ganar.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I've bet the minimum. (blank).
Options: Are you both playing · Either pair could win · You're both champions
Show answer
Tomás
I've bet the minimum. Either pair could win.
He apostado el mínimo. Cualquiera de las dos parejas puede ganar.
one at a time fifty for each of them
Elena
My patience has its limits. For the twins: fifty for each of them.
Mi paciencia tiene un límite. Para los gemelos: cincuenta para cada uno.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
My patience has its limits. For the twins: (blank).
Options: are you both playing · fifty for each of them · you're both champions
Show answer
Elena
My patience has its limits. For the twins: fifty for each of them.
Mi paciencia tiene un límite. Para los gemelos: cincuenta para cada uno.
Common mistake
Not either or neither here. Elena and Ramón together.
The final of the card tournament! Are you both playing?
¡La final de mus! ¿Juegan ambos la partida?
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| the two together, after be | you're both champions |
|---|---|
| the two together, a question | are you both playing? |
| not one and not the other | neither of them ever loses |
| one or the other, any | either pair could win |
| one at a time | fifty for each of them |
More lines from the story
- ElenaA hundred euros: a nice sum. We'll split it: fifty each.Cien euros: buena suma. Lo dividimos: cincuenta cada uno.