What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ither
Example
I cannae find ma ither shoe. [ither: adjective]
Example
Ye can hae ither the cake or the ice cream. [ither: pronoun]
Example
I'm no' happy wi' yer work, and ither are yer colleagues. [ither: conjunction]
either
Example
You can have either the red shirt or the blue shirt. [either: determiner]
Example
Either way, we need to make a decision soon. [either: adverb]
Example
I don't like either of those options. [either: pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Either is much more commonly used than ither in everyday language. Either is a common word that is used in a variety of contexts, while ither is less common and primarily used in Scottish dialects.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ither and either?
Either is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while ither is more informal and less commonly used.
