When learning English, certain words can be confusing because they seem similar but are used differently.
Let's break down how to use "no" and "none," "each" and "every," as well as "either," "neither," and "both."
This guide includes grammar explanations, example sentences, and practice exercises to sharpen your skills.
Also read an intriguing short story titled " The Grand Tea Party Dilemma" which incorporate the above words for extra grammar practice.
Watch and Learn! For video lessons that bring this content to life, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Check out the YouTube video:
How to use No, None, Each, Every, Either, Neither, Both Correctly
1. No vs. None
Grammar Rules:
(a) - No is used before a noun without an article to indicate the absence of something.
How to Form:
- "no" + noun
e.g. no money, no time, no reason
Example Sentences:
- There is no milk in the fridge.
- He has no reason to be upset.
(b) - None is used without a noun or followed by "of" to indicate zero amount or absence.
How to Form:
-"none" (by itself or) + "of" + noun/pronoun
e.g. none, none of the books, none of them
Example Sentences:
- I asked for cookies, but there were none left.
- None of the students knew the answer.
Quick Tip:
If the noun is directly stated, use no. If it’s implied or after "of," use none.
Practice Exercise:
Fill in the blanks with "no" or "none":
1. She has ___ idea what happened.
2. We have ___ of the information needed.
3. There’s ___ way I’m missing the party!
4. ___ of the books were available in the library.
2. Each vs. Every
(a) - "Each" refers to individual items in a group of two or more.
How to Form:
"each" + singular noun
- e.g. each student, each person
Example Sentences:
- Each student received a certificate.
- She gave each of her friends a gift.
(b) 'Every' refers to all items collectively in a group of three or more.
How to Form:
"every" + singular noun
- e.g. every car, every day
-Example Sentence:
- He goes to the gym every morning.
- Every car on the street was parked.
Quick Tip!
Use 'each' to emphasise individuality and 'every' to stress the whole group.
Practice Exercise:
Choose "each" or "every" to complete these sentences:
1. ___ time I see her, she looks happy.
2. He handed out gifts to ___ child at the party.
3. ___ of the participants completed the form.
4. She visits her parents ___ weekend.
3. Either, Neither, Both
Grammar Rules:
(a) 'Either' refers to one of two options.
How to Form:
- "either" + singular noun
- e.g. either option, either side
Example Sentences:
- You can have either coffee or tea.
- Either option is acceptable.
(b) 'Neither' means not one nor the other.
How to Form:
- Neither: "neither" + singular noun
e.g. neither choice, neither candidate
Example Sentence:
- Neither candidate won the election.
- She likes neither apples nor oranges.
(c) 'Both' means two together.
How to Form:
- "both" + plural noun
- e.g. both answers, both cities
Example Sentence:
- Both answers are correct.
- We visited both Paris and London.
Quick Tip:
Use 'either' for a positive choice, 'neither' for a negative exclusion, and 'both' to include two.
Practice Exercise:
Fill in the blanks with "either," "neither," or "both":
1. ___ of the twins is coming to the event.
2. We tried two routes, but ___ worked.
3. I’ll take ___ dessert, the cake or the ice cream.
4. ___ cities are beautiful in the spring.
Mixed Practice Exercise:
Choose the correct word (no, none, each, every, either, neither, both) to complete these sentences:
1. There is ___ point in arguing with her.
2. ___ of the guests received a personalised invitation.
3. We searched for the documents, but there were ___ to be found.
4. ___ car in the parking lot was covered in snow.
5. He couldn't choose between the two dresses, so he bought ___.
6. ___ of the solutions provided a complete answer.
7. I enjoy visiting ___ Paris and Rome.
8. They were given two options, but ___ was appealing.
9. Please check ___ page carefully for errors.
10. She found ___ of the routes convenient for her commute.
Answer Key:
No vs. None:
1. no
2. none
3. no
4. none
Each vs. Every:
1. Every
2. Each
3. Each
4. Every
Either, Neither, Both:
1. Either
2. Neither
3. Either
4. Both
Mixed Practice:
1. no
2. Each
3. none
4. Every
5. both
6. Neither
7. both
8. Neither
9. each
10. either
By understanding and practicing these grammar points, you’ll gain confidence in expressing yourself clearly in English. Keep practising and remember—language learning is all about consistency!
Grammar Story: "The Grand Tea Party Dilemma"
Lady Eleanor was famous for hosting the most elegant tea parties in town.
Today, she had invited her closest friends, Lady Penelope and Sir Alfred, to discuss a grand charity event. “This will be a perfect gathering,” Lady Eleanor thought, but soon she encountered some unexpected challenges.
Lady Eleanor asked the gardener about the flowers for the table.
“Are there any roses left?” she inquired.
“I’m afraid there are no roses, my lady,” said the gardener.
Lady Eleanor sighed. “Well, I suppose none of the other flowers will match the theme as beautifully, but we’ll make do.”
(a) Question: What did Lady Eleanor learn about the flowers?
Answer:________________________________
As Lady Eleanor reviewed the guest list, she said aloud, “I’ll personally greet each guest as they arrive. It’s important to make everyone feel welcome.”
Sir Alfred laughed. “You’ll need to be very energetic for that. With so many guests, perhaps it’s better to greet them every five minutes as they enter.”
Lady Eleanor smiled. “I suppose I can manage that.”
(b) Question: What did Lady Eleanor plan to do initially?
Answer:________________________________
Lady Penelope asked, “Should we seat Lady Margaret on the left or the right?”
Sir Alfred chimed in, “Why not give her either seat? She’ll be happy wherever she sits.”
Lady Eleanor frowned. “Actually, I think neither seat will work since both spots
are near the drafty windows.”
Penelope suggested, “Then perhaps she can join us at the head table. We’ll reserve both seats by the fireplace for her and Lord Charles.”
(c) Question: Why did Lady Eleanor reject both seating options for Lady Margaret?
Answer:________________________________
Finally, it was time to choose the desserts. The chef presented two options: a lemon tart and a chocolate mousse.
Lady Eleanor couldn’t decide. “Oh dear, I love both desserts! How can I choose?”
Sir Alfred laughed. “Why choose? Let’s serve both and make everyone happy.”
Lady Penelope agreed. “It’s the perfect solution. Everyone will have either dessert or maybe even both if they’re lucky.”
(d) Question: What did Lady Eleanor decide about the desserts?
Answer:________________________________
Grammar Story:
(a) Answer: There were no roses left, and none of the other flowers seemed perfect for the theme.
(b) Answer: She planned to greet each guest personally.
(c) Answer: Neither seat was suitable because they were near the drafty windows.
(d) Answer: She decided to serve both desserts.
Vocabulary List:
a) elegant – stylish and graceful.
b) inquire – to ask for information.
c) drafty – allowing cold air to enter.
d) energetic – full of energy and enthusiasm.
e) greet – to welcome someone.
f) suitable – appropriate or fitting for a situation.
g) option – a choice or possibility.
h) reserve – to set aside for a specific person or purpose.
i) solution – an answer to a problem.
Thank you for reading & Happy Learning!
Love This Content? Get more delivered to you! Sign up for our weekly email with fresh ideas for learning English.
For more related posts check out the links below.
Don't Just Read, Watch! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to complement this blog post with video tutorials and explanations.
Question? Contact us on the form below.
Comments