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Mieszko Powroznik Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Position of "either"

Hello,

I often get confused where to place either in a sentence.
Either they were trying to steal your money or rape you.
They were either trying to steal your money or rape you.
They were trying to either steal your money or rape you.

I thinkt that only the 3 version is all right. I stand correct if im wrong
  

Top answer

Either they were trying to steal your money or rape you. They were either trying to steal your money or rape you. They were trying to either steal your money or rape you.

  • Either they were trying to steal your money or rape you.
  • They were either trying to steal your money or rape you.
  • They were trying to either steal your money or rape you.
  • Based on the sentence as written, 2nd is the best.
  • Depending on the context, "either" can be placed in different places.
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5 Answers
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Either they were trying to steal your money or rape you.

They were either trying to steal your money or rape you.

They were trying to either steal your money or rape you.

Based on the sentence as written, 2nd is the best.

Depending on the context, "either" can be placed in different places.

i.e. I can meet you on Monday at 10 am, or Tuesday at
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i think the last version is the best because it seems to be parralellism, and also either separates steal and rope
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Greetings, Mieszko,

either (neither) should stand next to the part of the sentence they concern. The correct version is:

They were trying either [to steal your money] or [to rape you].

<They were trying [to rape you].
They were trying [to steal your money].

- the clauses in brackets
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They were either trying to steal your money or rape you. This is Dimsumexpress' pick.
Gleb's gives his own version - They were trying either [to steal your money] or [to rape you].
Gleb also agree with my third version - They were trying to either steal your money or rape you.

Does this mean that all three above-named are correct and can be used
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Mr Wordy can I ask Your help?

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