Comments on: Any vs. Either

By: Maeve

Maeve — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:14:58 +0000

Regarding the use of “few,” I feel a post coming on. Stay tuned.

By: Margaret Casey

Margaret Casey — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:22:10 +0000

…or somewhat akin to mis-using “between” and “among”. Most people seem to use “between” when they really should be using “among”.

By: Margaret Casey

Margaret Casey — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:22:10 +0000

…or somewhat akin to mis-using “between” and “among”. Most people seem to use “between” when they really should be using “among”.

By: Norma H Flaskerud

Norma H Flaskerud — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:06:32 +0000

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?

By: Jay Wagers

Jay Wagers — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:50:40 +0000

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.