[Grammar] Usage of either A or B

[sky3120]

Do you agree that sometimes "either A or B" structures are used to mean "both A and B"? For instance,
"I have never been to either France or Germany." Or only when just "either" is used, it can mean "both"?
For instance, A : Which one do you want? B : Either one will do. Thank you so much as usual and have a good day.

 

[Raymott]

Do you agree that sometimes "either A or B" structures are used to mean "both A and B"? For instance,
"I have never been to either France or Germany." Or only when just "either" is used, it can mean "both"?
For instance, A : Which one do you want? B : Either one will do. Thank you so much as usual and have a good day.

In this case, you have a negation. "Neither (France or Germany)" = Neither France nor Germany = Both [not France and not Germany]
I can't think of an example of 'either' meaning 'both' in a positive sentence.

 

[sky3120]

Thank you so much and to make it clear, so "Neither (France or Germany)" means "I have never been to either France or Germany.", right?

 

[emsr2d2]

Thank you so much and to make it clear, so "Neither (France or Germany)" means "I have never been to either France or Germany.", right?

Yes, although I would usually convert "neither" into "not either" rather than "never either" but in the case of travel "never" works.

I have travelled neither to France nor [to] Germany.
I have never travelled to either France or Germany.
I have never travelled to France or Germany. (To be honest, "either" isn't required.)


I like neither cabbage nor cauliflower.
I don't like cabbage or cauliflower.

Would you like cabbage or cauliflower with your dinner?
Neither, thank you.


I like both cabbage and cauliflower.
I like cabbage and cauliflower.

Would you like cabbage or cauliflower with your dinner?
Either one would be great, thank you.
OR
Is there any chance I could have both?