Either … or

We can use 'either' in several ways. One way is as a conjunction, to connect one clause with another

clause. It emphasises the idea of two separate choices a little bit. We can choose where to put 'either'.

• Either we go out for dinner or we stay at home.

• We either go out for dinner or we stay at home.

We often only use an auxiliary verb in the second part of the sentence. We use this if the verb and

object are the same but the subject is different.

• Either Jack dropped the vase or John did (= or John dropped the vase).

• Either the children clean up the bedroom or I do (= or I clean up the bedroom).

We also use an auxiliary verb if the subject and the verb are the same, but in the second part we have

the negative.

• Either she wants to come or she doesn't (= or she doesn't want to come).

• Either he either went home early or he didn't (= or he didn't go home early).

Let's review! Make a sentence using 'either ... or'. Put 'either' at the front. Use only an auxiliary verb

after 'or' if possible.

1. she loves him / she doesn't love him

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2. you get a job / you start a business

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3. she studies / she fails the exam

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4. John bought the chocolate / Lucy bought the chocolate

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5. she cleaned the flat / she didn't clean the flat

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6. we'll go to France / we'll go to Spain

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7. she left the door open / I left the door open

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8. the teacher told you the result / he didn't tell you the result

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9. we are leaving now / we aren't leaving now

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10. you want this cake / you don't want this cake

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Answers

1. Either she loves him or she doesn't.

2. Either you get a job or you start a business.

3. Either she studies or she fails the exam.

4. Either John bought the chocolate or Lucy did.

5. Either she cleaned the flat or she didn't.

6. Either we'll go to France or we'll go to Spain.

7. Either she left the door open or I did.

8. Either the teacher told you the result or he didn't.

9. Either we are leaving now or we aren't.

10. Either you want this cake or you don't.