We just had a discussion in my class about the words too and either. That led us to talk about also and neither as well. This was a Level 1 class and either was a word that had not been well explained to them before.
We were talking about things we like and things we don't like. By the time we finished I think everyone had some understanding of the concept.
When we talk about what we like, too should be used in a positive or affirmative situation while either is for negative:
He likes rice. I like rice too.
They want ice cream. We want ice cream too.
I eat oranges. They eat oranges too.
She doesn't like rice. They don't like it either.
We don't want cake. They don't want it either.
All of this was in our basic discussion. The actual situation is more complicated. Do you know of any cases where to and either may get confusing?
What about if we say dislike instead of don't like? Will that change the use of too and either?
Do you know where it is proper to use neither and also?
I would like you to think about this and comment.
It is OK to search for the correct uses online.
When you search you learn more than if someone tells you.
Replies
I'm glad it was helpful Shabeen. I am happy to help you.
Here is a little more----
One of the other uses for either is:
You can either have ice cream or cake. OR You can have either cake or ice cream.
Please choose either A or B.
Back to our first discussion for another example:
You didn't have cake. I didn't either. I didn't have cake, I had ice cream.
He didn't choose B. I didn't either. I didn't choose B, I chose A.
You had ice cream. I did too. I also had ice cream.
He chose A. I did too. I also chose A.