✅ TOEIC Trap Spotlight: Both / Either / Neither

How to Pick the Right One in Seconds

TOEIC loves taking simple, everyday words and turning them into high-pressure traps. Both, either, neither are perfect examples.
They look easy. You use them all the time. But in the middle of the test, instinct often wins over accuracy — and that’s when the trap closes.

1️⃣ What Each One Really Means

Both → 2 things, and it’s true for both

  • Both Hiroshi and Ken passed the test.

  • Both answers are correct.

📌 Always refers to 2 items and takes a plural verb.

Either → 1 of 2, not both

  • You can take either the train or the bus.

  • Either option is fine.

📌 Means “pick one.” Usually takes a singular verb.

Neither → 0 out of 2

  • Neither explanation made sense.

  • Neither choice was correct.

📌 Means “not this one, not the other.” Usually takes a singular verb.

2️⃣ TOEIC-Style Practice

Q1. Both of the reports ___ finished yesterday.
(A) was
(B) were
(C) is
(D) are
✅ Answer: (B) were — “Both” = plural.

Q2. You may choose ___ the soup or the salad — not both.
(A) both
(B) neither
(C) either
(D) all
✅ Answer: (C) either — “Either… or…” = pick one.

Q3. I asked two people for help. ___ of them knew the answer.
(A) Both
(B) Neither
(C) Either
(D) None
✅ Answer: (B) neither — 0 out of 2.

Q4. ___ option is fine for tomorrow’s meeting.
(A) Both
(B) Either
(C) Neither
(D) All
✅ Answer: (B) either — One of the two options is okay.

3️⃣ Quick Visual to Lock It In

  • Both = ✅✅ (two things, both accepted)

  • Either = ✅❌ (one of two)

  • Neither = ❌❌ (none of two)

📌 Strategy / Takeaway

  1. Both = 2 things, plural form.

  2. Either = 1 of 2, singular form.

  3. Neither = 0 of 2, singular form.

  4. Match the meaning to the situation before answering — not just what “feels” right.

Golden Rule:

On TOEIC, “both” = 2, “either” = 1, “neither” = 0. If you feel rushed, picture the ✅ or ❌ chart in your head.

Final Word

These words are short and familiar, but TOEIC uses them to punish quick guesses. Train your reflex until the right choice feels automatic — then you’ll beat one of the test’s easiest-looking traps.

For more strategies and resources to master TOEIC quantity-word traps, visit the English Library Collection and start locking in both/either/neither confidence today.

FAQ — TOEIC Trap: Both / Either / Neither Q: What’s the difference between both and either in English? A: “Both” means two things together. “Either” means one of two. Example: “Both answers are correct” vs “You can choose either one.” Q: When do you use either or neither? A: Use “either” when one is possible. Use “neither” when none are possible. Example: “Either option is fine.” “Neither option works.” Q: Is either singular or plural in TOEIC grammar? A: “Either” takes a singular verb. Example: “Either option is correct.” Q: Is neither always negative? A: Yes. “Neither” means no to both options. Example: “Neither answer was right.” Q: Can I say both of them is? A: No. “Both” needs a plural verb. Say: “Both of them are.” Q: What’s the difference between none and neither? A: “Neither” is for two things. “None” is for more than two. TOEIC often traps you here. Q: How do you use both in a TOEIC sentence? A: “Both” joins two subjects or objects. Example: “Both the manager and the client agreed.” Q: What’s a common TOEIC mistake with either/neither? A: Using the wrong verb. “Either” and “neither” take singular verbs. TOEIC tests this often. Q: Is it correct to say either of them are? A: No. It should be “Either of them is.” Q: Can you use neither without ‘nor’? A: Yes. Example: “Neither idea worked.” But you can also use “Neither A nor B.” Q: What’s a TOEIC trick using both/either/neither? A: They all relate to two things. If the question has more than two, none/all should be used. Q: How does TOEIC test both vs either? A: TOEIC gives you two options and tests if you understand the right meaning. It also checks subject-verb agreement. Q: What’s the correct structure: “Both A and B” or “Both A or B”? A: Always “Both A and B.” Q: Should I say “Neither are good” or “Neither is good”? A: Say “Neither is good.” It’s singular. Q: What’s the opposite of either? A: “Neither” is the opposite of “either.” Either = one; neither = none. Q: Can I use either with three choices? A: No. “Either” is only for two. Use “any” for three or more. Q: Which is better for polite offers: both or either? A: “Either” is used for polite choices. Example: “You may take either.” Q: What does TOEIC want me to know about both/either/neither? A: Know how many things are involved, what’s being accepted or rejected, and match it to the correct verb. Q: Are both/either/neither always followed by “of”? A: Not always. “Both” can be used directly: “Both work here.” “Either” and “Neither” can be used alone or with “of.” Q: How can I remember the difference between either and neither? A: “Either = 1 out of 2” (E = One). “Neither = 0 out of 2” (N = None).