How to Use “Either” and “Neither” for More Than Two Items

Using “either” and “neither” is mostly reserved for two items. It is possible to use them for more, though it’s also possible to come across some alternatives that might be better suited. This article will explore some of the best alternatives when dealing with more than two items.

either and neither for more than two

The preferred alternatives are “any,” “none,” “either A or B or C,” and “neither A nor B nor C.” “Any” is a great replacement when choosing between multiple options positively (like “either”). “None” is great when choosing between multiple options negatively (like “neither”).

Any

“Any” is the best way to replace “either” when multiple choices are involved. You don’t have to list the specific choices when “any” is used. Instead, it’s an umbrella term that covers every possible option without having to specify.

“Either” requires specifics. You have to say “either A or B or C” when using it. With “any,” you only need to say the word. The implication is that A, B, and C are already covered by it.

  • You can pick from any of these, though I would recommend that you listen to us if you’re going to make any decisions at all.
  • You can pick any of these, but you should be careful. I feel like one of them is definitely going to be a trap.
  • I think I would prefer any of these over the other ones. I’d be happy to let you pick one of them, though, if that’s what you want.

None

“None” is the best way to replace “neither.” You don’t need to worry about including the specific choices. “None” covers every choice that you don’t want to pick in a negative sense. A, B, and C are already covered once “none” is used.

  • I want none of these. I don’t see the point in picking any of them because they just don’t make a whole lot of sense to me.
  • None of these items look interesting enough. Maybe we can keep exploring some ideas to see what one is going to work best.
  • I think you’ll find none of these to your liking. I know the kinds of things you like, and these simply aren’t going to do it for you.

Either A Or B Or C

“Either A or B or C” is a correct choice in itself. You can use as many “or A or B or C” (and so on) as you want after “either.” There is no limit, though some people think the repeating “or” words can get a bit jarring after a while.

  • You can choose either wine or crisps or chocolate. We need to know which of those three snacks you’re going to have at the party.
  • Either Dan or Chris or Mary will be there, but they haven’t told me which of them will show up. I suppose I’ll wait and see.
  • I’m not sure about either that or this or those ones. I’m sure there is something else we can try and do to figure this out in time.

Neither A Nor B Nor C

“Neither A nor B nor C” is correct. You can use “nor” as many times as you want to cover as many points after two as possible. “Nor” has to be used with “neither” to show that you are not fond of any of the options that have been presented.

  • Neither Mark nor Antony nor Christina wanted to come to my party. I’m not going to lie; I’m quite disappointed. I thought we were friends.
  • I thought about neither him nor her nor Alex. I didn’t see much of a reason to spend any longer than I needed to dwell on them.
  • I want neither apples nor oranges nor bananas. I’m tired of you putting fruit as one of the snacks at my party. I want sweets!

Either A, B, Or C

“Either A, B, or C” gives you an extra option that removes the excessive “or” words. Some people think that “A or B or C” can be quite jarring because of its repetitive nature. The commas help to take away from the repetition in the sentence.

  • Either one, two, or three times. That’s the only amount that we can work out here. Anything more than that will be too much.
  • You could ask him for either wine, juice, or soda. I think all of those options are on the menu. You’ll just have to ask him to find out.
  • I want either Harry, Jack, or Marcus at my party. Surely we can find some room to put one of them in!

Neither A, B, Nor C

“Neither A, B, nor C” is another example of including commas in place of multiple “nor” words. This helps to streamline your negative choices better. It removes the need for “A nor B nor C” and makes sure that you include commas to make it flow more smoothly.

  • You can have neither chocolate, sweets, nor cookies. I’m not going to negotiate with you any further. I just don’t think it’s fair.
  • I want neither those, that, nor this one. I think you should try harder if you want to impress me. That’s all I’m saying.
  • You said neither Matt, Michael, nor Moses could come along. That’s why we decided it was best if we didn’t invite any of them.

Like/Want/Need A, B, And C

“Like/want/need A, B, and C” gives someone an option to talk about the things they enjoy or like doing. This is more in line with the positive selection that comes from using “either.”

Commas can be used here to break up the list. Using “A and B and C” would sound a bit jarring to most, which is why the commas are important.

  • I like options one, two, and three. I’ll be happy if you pick any of those. Just let me know before you make any final decisions.
  • I want pizza, ice cream, and candy. Do you think we could have a bit of a splurge tonight so that I get my wishes?
  • I need Sarah, Michelle, and Margaret here right now. They’re the only people who know what’s going on with Darren and me.

Don’t Like/Want/Need A, B, Or C

“Don’t like/want/need A, B, or C” is the opposite of saying you like it. This works best to replace “neither” when multiple options are used. You can use it to show that something isn’t favorable to you.

Again, commas work better than using multiple “or’s” here because “A or B or C” sounds jarring in this sentence structure.

  • I don’t like water, soda, or juice. I’m not keen on any of them, so I’d really appreciate it if you could find me something else to drink.
  • I don’t want help, love, or friendship. The only thing I needed from you was related to this project, but now that’s over, I don’t need you.
  • I don’t need you, mom, or dad. I’m sick of you acting as if I could benefit from your love. I’m done with all of you!

Between A, B, and C

“Between A, B, and C” is a suitable replacement for “either.” It allows someone to make a decision between multiple points. When “between” is used, it tends to show a binary decision that must be made (i.e. only one thing can be picked at the end of it).

  • I haven’t decided between options one, two, and three yet. I’m still going to need a little bit of thinking time before any decisions are made.
  • Have you had a think between Fred, Perry, and Matt? I’m sure they’re all keen to come, but you can only choose one.
  • I thought about going between Croydon, Perth, and Merseyside. What do you reckon about making a trip like that right now?

All

“All” is a good way of saying “either” and “neither” for multiple points. It covers all the potential options. You can use it both positively and negatively, depending on how you feel about the points and whether you agree with them.

  • All of those options are rubbish. I’m sorry, but I really don’t see much of a reason why I would want to pick those.
  • All of these have already been decided. I don’t think you need to spend any more time trying to figure them out now.
  • I’m not sure about all of these yet. I’ll need a few more hours to fully think things through. Do you mind bearing with me?

Most

“Most” is another good choice that allows you to replace both “either” and “neither.” Generally, it’s better suited to replace the positive “either.” However, you can use it in a more negative sense if you can’t find a reason to agree with “most” of the points.

  • Most of what has already been confirmed are out of the question. We can’t change what’s already happened.
  • I have decided between most of them, and I’m quite happy to continue picking the rest out if you need anything from me.
  • I’ll be looking into most of these to see what I can get out of them. Just bear with me while I get this done.