Fluently

Log in

How to Say Neither: Pronunciation, Definition

Master neither pronunciation, definition, origin, alternatives, and phrases to boost your language skills and communication clarity.

Let's Improve Your English Now

How to Pronounce Neither

 

How to Pronounce "Neither"

 

  • Sound Variations: "Neither" can be said in two common ways. One sounds like "NEE-thur" (/ˈniːðər/) and the other like "NYE-thur" (/ˈnaɪðər/). Both are correct, but "NEE-thur" is more common in American English.

  • First Syllable ("NEE" or "NYE"): For "NEE-thur", say the word "knee" without the "k". For "NYE-thur", say "nigh" (rhymes with "pie"). Focus on keeping the vowel sound clear: long "ee" for "NEE" or the diphthong "ai" for "NYE".

  • Second Syllable ("thur"): Start with a soft "th" sound. To make the "th" sound, gently place your tongue between your teeth and blow a small burst of air. Then finish with a quick, soft "er" sound (like the ending of "teacher").

  • Practice Steps:

    • Step One: Break the word into parts: "NEE" (or "NYE") + "thur".

    • Step Two: Say "NEE" clearly or "NYE" if you choose that style.

    • Step Three: Immediately say the "th" sound followed by a relaxed "er" sound.

    • Step Four: Repeat slowly several times until it feels natural.

  • Final Tip: Listen to native speakers and try to mimic the way they stress the vowel in the first syllable and how lightly the second syllable is pronounced. This will help make your pronunciation sound more natural.

 

Practice with


AI tutor

Speaking practice on real-life topics: job interviews, meetings, sales, pitch calls—whatever you need

What Does Neither Mean

 

Understanding "Neither"

 

Neither is a word used to show that two things are not true or not happening. When you say "neither," you mean that both options are untrue or do not apply. It is similar to saying "not this and not that."

For example, in the sentence "Neither John nor Mary went to the party," you understand that both John and Mary did not go to the party.

  • Usage with Two Options: You use "neither" when you talk about two items or ideas and want to say that both are false.

  • Pairing with "nor": "Neither" is often used together with "nor" to connect the two options.

  • Example: "Neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt fits me," which means the red shirt does not fit and the blue shirt also does not fit.

  • Context: It is used when you want to rule out two possibilities at the same time.

Remember, "neither" means that if you have two choices, both or all choices (if listed properly) are not valid or true for the situation you are describing.

 

 

Understanding "Neither"

 

Neither is a word used to show that two things are not true or not happening. When you say "neither," you mean that both options are untrue or do not apply. It is similar to saying "not this and not that."

For example, in the sentence "Neither John nor Mary went to the party," you understand that both John and Mary did not go to the party.

  • Usage with Two Options: You use "neither" when you talk about two items or ideas and want to say that both are false.

  • Pairing with "nor": "Neither" is often used together with "nor" to connect the two options.

  • Example: "Neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt fits me," which means the red shirt does not fit and the blue shirt also does not fit.

  • Context: It is used when you want to rule out two possibilities at the same time.

Remember, "neither" means that if you have two choices, both or all choices (if listed properly) are not valid or true for the situation you are describing.

 

The Origin of the Word Neither

 

The Etymology of "Neither"

 

  • Old English Roots: The word "neither" comes from Old English. In Old English, similar words like næġther or nǣgther were used to express a negative choice or the absence of one thing over another.

  • Combination of Elements: "Neither" is formed by combining a negative part and a part that means "either." The negative element often comes from the word "ne", which means "not." The second part is related to "either," making "neither" a word that can express "not one and not the other."

  • Evolution Over Time: Over the centuries, the form and spelling of "neither" changed as the language evolved. During the Middle English period, similar forms appeared in texts, eventually settling on the modern spelling and pronunciation we use today.

  • Usage in Context: "Neither" is used to deny both options in a sentence. For example, in the sentence: "Neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt fits," the word makes it clear that both options are not suitable.

  • Link with "Either": Since "neither" is closely linked with "either," understanding one helps with the other. "Either" shows a choice between two possibilities, while "neither" denies both of them.

 

 

The Etymology of "Neither"

 

  • Old English Roots: The word "neither" comes from Old English. In Old English, similar words like næġther or nǣgther were used to express a negative choice or the absence of one thing over another.

  • Combination of Elements: "Neither" is formed by combining a negative part and a part that means "either." The negative element often comes from the word "ne", which means "not." The second part is related to "either," making "neither" a word that can express "not one and not the other."

  • Evolution Over Time: Over the centuries, the form and spelling of "neither" changed as the language evolved. During the Middle English period, similar forms appeared in texts, eventually settling on the modern spelling and pronunciation we use today.

  • Usage in Context: "Neither" is used to deny both options in a sentence. For example, in the sentence: "Neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt fits," the word makes it clear that both options are not suitable.

  • Link with "Either": Since "neither" is closely linked with "either," understanding one helps with the other. "Either" shows a choice between two possibilities, while "neither" denies both of them.

 

What to Say Instead Neither

Nor

 

  • Description: Acts as a coordinating conjunction to continue a negative statement, much like "neither" when joining two negative alternatives.

  • Context: Used in sentences such as "She doesn't like coffee, nor does she enjoy tea," which parallels "Neither does she like coffee nor tea."

Nor

 

  • Description: Acts as a coordinating conjunction to continue a negative statement, much like "neither" when joining two negative alternatives.

  • Context: Used in sentences such as "She doesn't like coffee, nor does she enjoy tea," which parallels "Neither does she like coffee nor tea."

Not Either

 

  • Description: A two-word phrase that directly mirrors the meaning of "neither" by rejecting both alternatives.

  • Context: Can be used as in "I will take not either option," which conveys the same meaning as "I will take neither option."

Not Either

 

  • Description: A two-word phrase that directly mirrors the meaning of "neither" by rejecting both alternatives.

  • Context: Can be used as in "I will take not either option," which conveys the same meaning as "I will take neither option."

None

 

  • Description: While "none" means "not any," it shares a similar negative exclusion when referring to a choice of items or persons.

  • Context: In a sentence such as "None of the candidates were selected," it conveys an exclusion similar to using "neither" when only two candidates are implied.

None

 

  • Description: While "none" means "not any," it shares a similar negative exclusion when referring to a choice of items or persons.

  • Context: In a sentence such as "None of the candidates were selected," it conveys an exclusion similar to using "neither" when only two candidates are implied.

Not One

 

  • Description: A phrase that emphasizes the absence of any one of the items, aligning with the idea expressed by "neither."

  • Context: Used in contexts like "Not one of the answers was correct," echoing the exclusion intended with "neither" when referring to two potential answers.

Not One

 

  • Description: A phrase that emphasizes the absence of any one of the items, aligning with the idea expressed by "neither."

  • Context: Used in contexts like "Not one of the answers was correct," echoing the exclusion intended with "neither" when referring to two potential answers.

Nary

 

  • Description: An informal and somewhat archaic term that means "not one" or "none," effectively narrowing down options similarly to "neither."

  • Context: Often appears in colloquial expressions such as "I saw nary a sign of life," which parallels "I saw neither a sign nor a trace of life."

Nary

 

  • Description: An informal and somewhat archaic term that means "not one" or "none," effectively narrowing down options similarly to "neither."

  • Context: Often appears in colloquial expressions such as "I saw nary a sign of life," which parallels "I saw neither a sign nor a trace of life."

No One

 

  • Description: Typically used as a pronoun to exclude any person, "no one" can serve as a synonym in contexts where "neither" refers to two people.

  • Context: For instance, "No one attended the meeting," can imply the same exclusion as "Neither man attended the meeting" when referring to a pair of individuals.

No One

 

  • Description: Typically used as a pronoun to exclude any person, "no one" can serve as a synonym in contexts where "neither" refers to two people.

  • Context: For instance, "No one attended the meeting," can imply the same exclusion as "Neither man attended the meeting" when referring to a pair of individuals.

...cheaper than
a human tutor.

And available 24/7

Let's Improve Your English

...cheaper than
a human tutor.

And available 24/7

Let's Improve Your English Now

Common Phrases and Examples with Neither

Example 1: Neither John nor Mary wanted ice cream.

 

Explanation: This sentence shows 'neither' used to say that both John and Mary did not want ice cream.

Example 1: Neither John nor Mary wanted ice cream.

 

Explanation: This sentence shows 'neither' used to say that both John and Mary did not want ice cream.

Example 2: I like neither coffee nor tea.

 

Explanation: This sentence shows 'neither' used to express that I do not like both coffee and tea.

Example 2: I like neither coffee nor tea.

 

Explanation: This sentence shows 'neither' used to express that I do not like both coffee and tea.

Example 3: Neither the red shirt nor the blue dress fits me.

 

Explanation: Here, 'neither' tells us that both the red shirt and the blue dress do not fit.

Example 3: Neither the red shirt nor the blue dress fits me.

 

Explanation: Here, 'neither' tells us that both the red shirt and the blue dress do not fit.

Example 4: Neither of my friends can come to the party.

 

Explanation: This sentence means that not even one of my friends is able to come to the party.

Example 4: Neither of my friends can come to the party.

 

Explanation: This sentence means that not even one of my friends is able to come to the party.

Example 5: Neither the cat nor the dog is sleeping.

 

Explanation: This sentence shows that both the cat and the dog are awake.

Example 5: Neither the cat nor the dog is sleeping.

 

Explanation: This sentence shows that both the cat and the dog are awake.

Example 6: Neither my brother nor my sister likes the new game.

 

Explanation: In this sentence, 'neither' is used to say that both my brother and my sister do not like the new game.

Example 6: Neither my brother nor my sister likes the new game.

 

Explanation: In this sentence, 'neither' is used to say that both my brother and my sister do not like the new game.

Get your
real English level

Make a quick 4-minute call
with our AI tutor

and get your
English score for FREE

Test My English Level

Test My English Level

Get your real English level

Make a quick 4-minute call with our AI tutor


and get your English score for FREE

Test My English Level

team@getfluently.app

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Fluently iOS app

© 2025 Fluently Inc.