When asking a question do you say “Is Either of You” or “Are Either of You”?
This might be a tricky one to answer, because it’s quite likely that you’ve seen people use both forms and get away with it. Let’s try to find out which one is correct.
Is Either of You or Are Either of You – Which Is Correct?
There’s a lot of controversy online about which of the forms is correct. “Either” usually takes its verb in the singular form, so technically, the grammatically correct expression would be “Is Either of You”, and not “Are Either of You”. However, in some cases, “Are Either of You” is acceptable.
Actually, in colloquial language, you can probably use any of the two and still be understood (and not called out for bad grammar).
Take a look at the examples:
- Is either of you upset that the pool party is canceled?
- Are either of you upset that the pool party is canceled?
- Is either of you available to help me tomorrow?
- Are either of you available to help me tomorrow?
In the first set of examples, it’d probably sound more organic to use the second sentence and say “Are Either of You”. However, both forms would actually do the trick.
In the second set of examples, some people would feel more comfortable using “Is Either of You”. But then again, both forms convey the same message.
Sometimes, the way people use language daily, some forms just get incorporated into the vocabulary. Choose the form that feels organic to you and don’t sweat over it.
Is Either of You
“Is Either of You” is usually considered the correct form to use, because “Either” tends to agree with the verb in the singular form. Some people argue, though, that “You” in this sentence would refer to more than one person, and “Are” would be more acceptable.
Let’s look at some examples:
- Does either of you have chapstick? (incorrect)
- Do either of you have chapstick?
- Is either of you available to help me with work?
- Is either of you free to grab lunch?
- I feel like getting a drink, is either of you free?
Sentences 1 and 2 share a variation of the form we’re looking at. Instead of “Is Either of You”, we used “Does Any of You”. As you can see, that would be incorrect and shouldn’t be used – although “Do Either of You” would be acceptable.
It is quite confusing, we know.
If you look at sentences 3 to 6, some will sound organic and have a good flow. Others won’t. Keep that in mind and use in your own speech what makes sense to you.
Are Either of You
“Are Either of You” is considered the correct form by those who believe the verb should agree with “You”. Since “You” here indicates more than one person, “Are Either of You” would be the correct form. Keep in mind some might disagree with that line of thought.
Let’s see some examples:
- Do either of you have some free time later?
- Are either of you available after 6 pm?
- Are either of you free to go with me to the market?
- I need help moving some boxes, are either of you free?
- I would love to try the new sushi place, are either of you available?
Again, when choosing between “Are Either of You” and “Is Either of You”, go for what’s more organic to you and use what you think would make sense in your speech.
Which Is Used the Most?
Considering all the controversy, which one of those forms is used more often? Do people say more “Is Either of You” or “Are Either of You”?
Take a look at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer below, and we’ll find out.
This may come as a surprise, but “Are Either of You” is used with much more frequency than “Is Either of You”.
For a long time those expressions were similarly used, but that started to change after the 1970’s. Since then, the difference between “Are Either of You” and “Is Either of You” only grew, and the first is now the predominant form.
Final Thoughts
There’s controversy around “Are Either of You” and “Is Either of You”. Some advocate for the first, while others advocate for the latter. We’ll say this: both can work, and both mean the same. So use the one you feel more comfortable with, the one that’s more organic to you.
You may also like: Either of You Has or Either of You Have – Which Is Correct?
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
