Any vs. Either
I just did a double-take when reading an article about creating passport photos using Photoshop Elements and another application. Here’s what threw me:
If you have any of these two applications, then you can follow this simple do-it-yourself project…
any of these two applications
Horrors!
In speaking of two applications, the word either is called for:
If you have either of these two applications.
If, however, one is talking about three or more applications, one may say:
If you have any of the photo editing applications available these days, you can….
NOTE:
either = one or the other; from OE hwaether, each of two
any = one indifferently out of more than two
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You say ee-ther and I say eye-ther
Another closely related (and frequently wrong) comparison is saying someone or something is the best of two. As I understand it, best is reserved for comparing three or more. With only two people or things, one can only be the better.
I agree. When using “either” the comparison is between two items: “either . . . or.”
It is the same with “neither . . . nor” and “not only . . . but also.”
When using “any,” “most,” “many,” “some,” etc., these should only apply to three or more items.
On this subject: I think a few refers to mabye 2-3 items while several refers to maybe 3-6? And a couple of items would refer to 2 (like a couple/two people.)
I argue with my husband about this often. He says a few is 4-7 items.
What do you all think?
…or somewhat akin to mis-using “between” and “among”. Most people seem to use “between” when they really should be using “among”.
…or somewhat akin to mis-using “between” and “among”. Most people seem to use “between” when they really should be using “among”.
Regarding the use of “few,” I feel a post coming on. Stay tuned.