Session 2

These words might look simple, but how well do you know how to use them? In this session we look at the grammar behind the words all, each, every, both, either and neither

Wayiitiwwan marii boqonnaa kana keessaa

Wayitii marii qabxii 2

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Activity 2

Both, either, neither

More quantifiers

Now let's look at the quantifiers both, either, and neither with nouns. This time we're going to give you the main grammar points first, and then you're going to answer questions to test your knowledge.

Barreeffama kana dubbisii shakala kana xumuri

Meaning and use

1) We use both (of), neither (of) and either (of) to talk about two people or things. Both means this one AND the other one. Neither means NOT this one AND NOT the other one. Either means this one OR the other one. Either is used mainly in questions and negative sentences.

  • Bothof the men are wearing black ties.
  • Both men are reading newspapers.
  • Neither man is wearing a pink t-shirt.
  • Neither of the men has blond hair.
  • I don't think either man is going to get the job.
  • She didn't choose either of them for the job.

2) We often use these patterns: both… and..., neither… nor..., and either… or...

  • He plays both the violin and the guitar.
  • Neither me nor my brother are married.
  • Should I wear either this shirt or that one?

To do

Time to test your understanding. Can you complete these sentences using what you know about both, either, and neither?

 

Both, either, neither

5 Questions

Can you work out which words go in the gaps?

Baga gammadde! Qormaata xumurteetta
Excellent!Great job!Carraa badaa!Qabxii argatte:
x / y

How many did you get right?

Next

You've now had a look at our six quantifiers in this session: all, each, every, both, either and neither. Now for a little extra practice, you can listen to our lovely presenters Finn and Catherine as they talk about grammar and modern technology. It's 6 Minute Grammar, next!

Caasluga kutaa kanaa

  • Meaning and use

    All, every and each = the whole number of things in a group

    Every vs. each
    every emphasises the whole number in a group; each emphasises members of the group as individuals

    Both = this one AND the other one

    Neither = NOT this one AND NOT the other one

    Either = this one OR the other one

    • All (the) students have their own rooms
    • All (the) information is on the website
    • Every/Each student has their own room
    • I like both pictures
    • Neither picture is right for the room
    • She didn’t buy either picture

    Patterns

    Both... and

    Neither... nor

    Either... or

    • She plays both the violin and the guitar.
    • Neither me nor my brother are married.
    • You can wear either this shirt or that one.