Are either/Is either

Question

Hi,Advice on the following, please!"Are/Is either of these acceptable""Either of these are/is acceptable""Either James or Mark are/is going"I think "is" or the final one, but am stumped with the others!Thanks

Ruslana · Accepted Answer

Hi, Anon,

"Is either of these acceptable?"

"Either of these is acceptable."

"Either James or Mark is going."

See also .

Peaceblinkfriend · Answer

When we ask 'Is either of these acceptable', do we mean that we are certain that one of the two is not acceptable?

Thanks
PBF

Ruslana · Answer

To me, this question implies that:
1) one of the two is acceptable;
2) they both are acceptable.

Anonymous · Answer

No, we don't imply that at all. You would mean that if you said, "Is either of these the only one acceptable?" But you aren't saying that. You're asking if either of the two is acceptable, and that's all you're asking. If both are acceptable, then logically one is acceptable, since the two includes both, as two is one plus one. So it's perfectly fine to ask the question as you have phrased it, even if both are clearly acceptable.

I hope you find this answer acceptable.

James L.

Are either/Is either

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions