Either can be rewritten as One or the other, Either one, Whichever one and Any one of the two, depending on the sentence. Because the word has several grammatical uses, the right rewrite depends on rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative.
Match the Rewrite to the Grammar
Quick options:
- One or the other
- Either one
- Whichever one
- Any one of the two
- One of the two
- This one or that one
- Whichever applies
- Both sides
- Each side
- In either case
- Whichever happens
- Either way
- In any case
- Nor do I
One or the other
One or the other can rewrite the headword in sentences involving rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. The surrounding grammar determines whether this version is natural.
Example: You can choose one or the other, but not both.
Either one
Use Either one when the sentence expresses rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. It is a contextual rewrite rather than a one-word synonym.
Example: Either one will work for this example.
Whichever one
Whichever one fits a specific use of the headword connected with rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. Check the whole sentence before substituting it.
Example: Take whichever one is available.
Any one of the two
Any one of the two can rewrite the headword in sentences involving rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. The surrounding grammar determines whether this version is natural.
Example: Any one of the two routes will get you there.
One of the two
Use One of the two when the sentence expresses rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. It is a contextual rewrite rather than a one-word synonym.
Example: One of the two applicants will be selected.
This one or that one
This one or that one fits a specific use of the headword connected with rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. Check the whole sentence before substituting it.
Example: You can use this one or that one for the test.
Whichever applies
Whichever applies can rewrite the headword in sentences involving rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. The surrounding grammar determines whether this version is natural.
Example: Tick whichever applies to your situation.
Both sides
Use Both sides when the sentence expresses rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. It is a contextual rewrite rather than a one-word synonym.
Example: There were shops on both sides of the street.
Each side
Each side fits a specific use of the headword connected with rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. Check the whole sentence before substituting it.
Example: A lamp stood on each side of the doorway.
In either case
In either case can rewrite the headword in sentences involving rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. The surrounding grammar determines whether this version is natural.
Example: In either case, the deadline remains Friday.
Whichever happens
Use Whichever happens when the sentence expresses rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. It is a contextual rewrite rather than a one-word synonym.
Example: Whichever happens, we will review the result.
Either way
Either way fits a specific use of the headword connected with rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. Check the whole sentence before substituting it.
Example: Either way, the project can continue.
In any case
In any case can rewrite the headword in sentences involving rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. The surrounding grammar determines whether this version is natural.
Example: In any case, the decision needs to be recorded.
Nor do I
Use Nor do I when the sentence expresses rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative. It is a contextual rewrite rather than a one-word synonym.
Example: “I don’t agree with that reading.” “Nor do I.”
How to Choose the Best Fit for “Either”
Read the complete sentence before replacing Either. Its grammar changes across contexts, so a natural rewrite may be a phrase rather than a single word. The options above cover rewriting either according to whether it means choice, both sides, or agreement after a negative without pretending every form is interchangeable.