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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Using the word Both, or Either

Hi, I have had a misunderstanding in the workplace, due to what I believe is poor english, make for a very sour atmosphere.

Here is the sentence in question:

Item # DJ1-5520-417-001-P01 should not be on both of them.







In my opinion, this would mean that, DJ1-5520-417-001-P01 shouldnt be on BOTH of them, but definitely on one.





I think to most people with english as a first language, would feel the same way.
  

Top answer

Let's say "them" are A and B. To me, your sentence means that the item can be on A only, or it can be on B only, but it must not be on both A and B. Technically, it also allows the possibility that the item may be on neither A nor B, but the surrounding context may preclude this.

— Mr Wordy

  • Let's say "them" are A and B.
  • To me, your sentence means that the item can be on A only, or it can be on B only, but it must not be on both A and B.
  • Technically, it also allows the possibility that the item may be on neither A nor B, but the surrounding context may preclude this.
  • In contrast, "...
  • should not be on either of them" means that the item should not be on A and it should not be on B.
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1 Answers
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Let's say "them" are A and B. To me, your sentence means that the item can be on A only, or it can be on B only, but it must not be on both A and B. Technically, it also allows the possibility that the item may be on neither A nor B, but the surrounding context may preclude this.

In contrast, "... should not be on either of them" means that the item should not be on A and it shoul
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