Either or eather is a surprisingly common spelling confusion, especially in fast typing, exams, emails, and social media posts. You may have seen both forms used online and wondered: Is “eather” actually a word, or is it just a typo? You’re not alone—this question pops up because the two words sound almost identical when spoken.
Let’s settle it once and for all.
Quick Answer: Either or Eather
Either or eather has a very clear winner.
-
Either — correct and standard English
-
Eather — incorrect spelling (not a real word)
“Either” is always correct. “Eather” is simply a misspelling.
What Does “Either” Mean?
Either is a determiner, pronoun, or conjunction used to talk about a choice between two options.
Common meanings of either:
-
One or the other of two choices
-
It doesn’t matter which one
Examples:
-
You can choose either coffee or tea.
-
Either option works for me.
-
It’s either now or never.
Is “Eather” a Real Word?
No. Eather is not recognized in standard English dictionaries.
Why people use it anyway:
-
It sounds similar to either in casual speech
-
Fast typing and autocorrect errors
-
Influence from words like weather or leather
But grammatically speaking, eather has no meaning.
Word Origin & History
Either
-
Comes from Old English ǣgther
-
Has been used for centuries to express choice
Eather
-
No historical or linguistic roots
-
Exists only as a spelling error
This makes either the only valid form.
Contextual Usage: Literal & Metaphorical
Literal Choice
-
You can sit on either side of the room.
-
Pick either dress for the party.
Metaphorical or Emphatic Use
-
It’s either success or failure.
-
There’s either hope—or there isn’t.
In every context, “either” is the correct word.
Regional Usage: US vs UK
Good news—there’s no regional disagreement here
| Region | Correct Usage |
| United States | Either |
| United Kingdom | Either |
| Global English | Either |
The pronunciation may vary slightly (“ee-ther” vs “eye-ther”), but the spelling never changes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s where people often slip up:
-
You can choose eather option.
-
It’s eather good or bad.
-
I don’t like eather of them.
Correct versions:
-
You can choose either option.
-
It’s either good or bad.
-
I don’t like either of them.
Real-Life Examples
Everyday Conversation
You can call me either today or tomorrow.
School or Training
The answer is either A or B.
Social Media
It’s either pizza night or leftovers
Usage Trends & Search Insights
| Search Term | Result |
| Either | Correct |
| Eather | Misspelling |
| Either or eather | Spelling confusion |
| Is eather a word | No |
Search data shows people search for “eathers,” but only because they’re unsure—not because it’s correct.
Read also <<< Cosy or Cozy
FAQs About Either or Eather
1. Is “eather” ever correct?
No. It’s always a spelling mistake.
2. Why do people confuse either and eathers?
Because of similar pronunciation and fast typing habits.
3. Does pronunciation affect spelling?
No. Pronunciation may vary, but spelling stays either.
4. Is “either” formal English?
Yes—it’s used in both formal and casual contexts.
5. Can autocorrect cause this error?
Yes, especially on mobile devices.
6. Is “neither” related to “either”?
Yes! Both are used for choices, but neither means “not one nor the other.”
Final Thoughts: Either or Eather Made Simple
Either or eather isn’t really a debate once you know the rules. Either is the correct, accepted, and universal spelling. Eather isn’t a word—it’s just a common typo.
Either or eathers comes down to this one easy takeaway:
If you’re making a choice between two things, “either” is always right.
