Grammar Rules _ Speak Good English Movement

Misuse of “either … or”
This construction presents a choice between two
alternatives. However, the two alternatives should
belong to the same word class.
E.g.
• We can go to either Bangkok or Bali for
our vacation this year. (Both are nouns.)
• They can eat either now or after the show.
(Both are adverbs.)
Sometimes either is placed in an incorrect position.
E.g.
• She can take either the exam or ask to
be interviewed. (One is a noun – exam
– and the other is a verb – ask.)
The correct phrasing should be: She can either take
the exam or ask to be interviewed. (Both are verbs.)
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