both of them or nether of them??

[reyan2222]

I have a question here:
Which of the two applicants did they pick to fill the position? ____
a Both of them
b Neither of them

And according to the answer key, it's b.
But can I choose (a) here?

Thanks a lot for your help!

 

[emsr2d2]

I have a question here:
Which of the two applicants did they pick to fill the position? ____
a Both of them
b Neither of them

And according to the answer key, it's b.
But can I choose (a) here?

Thanks a lot for your help!

If there is only one position, do you think it's possible to choose two people to fill it?

 

[reyan2222]

If there is only one position, do you think it's possible to choose two people to fill it?

Thanks for your prompt answer here!
And I wonder for the same question: Which of the two applicants did they pick to fill the position? ____
1. I wonder the reason why answer key doesn't suggest 'Either of them'. Is it because it doesn't really answer the question of 'Which of the 2 applicants'?

2. Is there any grammar error if I answer 'Either of them'?
Can I answer 'Either of them' or stick to (b) Neither of them???

Thanks!

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

NOT A TEACHER

It doesn't answer the question. With 'neither of them', at least we know that they didn't pick either candidate.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Which of the two applicants did they pick to fill the position?" The question assumes that the respondent does actually know the answer, and the possible answers are:

- Neither of them.
- I don't think they picked either of them. ("Either" is used here because the negative idea is given by "I don't think".)
- The better of the two.
- The worse of the two.
- One of them, but I don't know which one.
- One of them, but I can't tell you which one because I was sworn to secrecy.

"Either" could be used in the question, if it were worded "I know two people applied for the job. Did the manager pick either of them to fill the position [or is the job still vacant]?"