As an adjective either refers only to two of anything: either side of the river; using either hand. As a pronoun either sometimes occurs in reference to more than two (either of the three children), but any is more common in this construction (any of the three children).
- Can you use either to compare 3 things?
- Is either used only for two?
- Can neither be used for three or more?
- Can both refer to more than two?
Can you use either to compare 3 things?
Standard dictionaries generally accept the use of “either” or “neither” to introduce a series of more than two items. Merriam-Webster Unabridged, for example, says “either” can be used “before two or more coordinate words, phrases, or clauses joined usually by or.” It defines “neither” as “not one of two or more.”
Is either used only for two?
“The traditional rule holds that either should be used only to refer to one of two items and that any is required when more than two items are involved: Any (not either) of the three opposition candidates still in the race would make a better president than the incumbent.
Can neither be used for three or more?
Neither is used to mean none of two or more. Although some suggest that using the word neither with more than two items is incorrect, it has been commonly used to refer to more than two subjects since the 17th century.
Can both refer to more than two?
As a pronoun, 'both' indicates that two items are being discussed and is therefore used in place of the phrase “the two.” The use of 'both' to discuss three or more entities is grammatically incorrect.