In a positive sentence, "either . . .or" is sometimes used to express an exclusive disjunction.
However, what happens when “either” is used in negation, as in sentence two below? Is the meaning the same as in sentence one?
1: John is not in the kitchen or the bedroom.
This sentence indicates that John is not in the kitchen and John is not in the bedroom.
2: John is not in either the kitchen or the bedroom.
This sentence indicates what?
Best Answer
Sentence 2 means the same as Sentence 1, it's just a clumsier, more long-winded way of putting it. The use of 'either' etc. is somewhat redundant, but still technically valid. As Mr Lister points out 'neither' ... 'nor' could be used, and would be more common.