either
gb/ˈiðɚ/ us/ˈiðɚ/
A2
English
~ 900
vagy … vagy, sem, mindkét, bármelyik
A2
1
vagy … vagy
A2
Usage pattern:
either [option A] or [option B]
You can either stay here or come with us.
Vagy itt maradsz, vagy velünk jössz.
Either we leave now, or we miss the train.
Vagy most indulunk, vagy lekéssük a vonatot.
I can either call you tonight or send you an email.
Learner examples
You can either eat now or later.
Vagy most eszel, vagy később.
Either you go, or I go.
Vagy te mész, vagy én megyek.
We can either walk or take the bus.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'either' without 'or' when listing two alternatives, which is incorrect in this sense.
Meaning
used to show a choice
Collocations
either A or B
|either way
|either one
Synonyms
or (Similar in connecting alternatives, but 'either' usually emphasizes the limited number of choices.)
Antonyms
both (Indicates inclusion of both options instead of choosing one.)
Themes
grammar
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Definition
Used to talk about a choice between two things.
Used to connect two or more possibilities, indicating that only one of them can be true or chosen.
A2
2
sem
A1
Usage pattern:
[negative clause] ... either
I don't like coffee either.
Én sem szeretem a kávét.
She can't come tonight either.
Ma este sem tud eljönni.
They haven't seen the movie either.
Learner examples
I don't like fish either.
Én sem szeretem a halat.
He is not happy either.
Ő sem boldog.
We don't have time either.
Common mistake:
Learners often incorrectly use 'too' in negative sentences instead of 'either'.
Meaning
also, in negative context
Collocations
not either
|can't either
|won't either
Synonyms
too ('Too' is used in positive statements, while 'either' is used in negatives.)
Antonyms
too (Opposite polarity; 'too' works in positive contexts, 'either' in negative ones.)
Themes
grammar
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Definition
Used after a negative sentence to mean 'also'.
Used after a negative statement to mean 'also' or 'too'.
B1
3
Usage pattern:
either [singular noun]
There are trees on either side of the road.
Az út mindkét oldalán fák állnak.
You may choose either option.
A két lehetőség közül bármelyiket választhatod.
She held a bag in either hand.
Learner examples
There is a shop on either side.
Mindkét oldalon van egy bolt.
You can take either bus.
Bármelyik buszra felszállhatsz.
He has a ring on either hand.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'either' with plural nouns incorrectly when they mean 'both'.
Meaning
each of two items
Collocations
either side
|either hand
|either option
Synonyms
each ('Each' can refer to more than two, but 'either' is limited to two.)
Antonyms
neither ('Neither' means not one and not the other.)
Themes
grammar
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Means one or the other of two things.
Refers to each one of two people or things, considered separately.
Grammar
Dictionary form
either
IPA
GB/ˈiðɚ/
US/ˈiðɚ/
Syllables & stress
either (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (either)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: either
- Plural: eithers
Word family
Forms
eithers
noun
Negative and opposite forms
neither
conjunction A2
Expressions
either way
1/ˈiðɚ wˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
regardless of the choice made
No matter which choice you make, the result is the same.
Examples
- Either way, we’ll have to wait until tomorrow.
- It might rain or snow, but either way we’ll still go hiking.
either … or …
2/ˈiðɚ ˈɔɹ/
fixed phrase
offering two options only
Used to show there are only two choices.
Examples
- You can either have tea or coffee.
- Either we leave now or we’ll be late.
on either side (of)
3/ˈɔn ˈiðɚ sˈaɪd əv/
fixed phrase
on both sides of something
On both sides of something.
Examples
- There are shops on either side of the street.
- He was surrounded by guards on either side of him.