Neither / Either Pronunciation Maps (US)

Key idea

Do the regions line up?

In American English, regional pronunciation patterns for neither and either generally align, though either shows more variation within speakers and contexts.

“nyther” ↔ “eyther” tends to be more common in much of the West and Upper Midwest.
“neether” ↔ “eether” tends to be more common in the Northeast and much of the South.
Border regions (e.g., parts of the Ohio Valley / Mid‑Atlantic) can be mixed.

Note: These are tendencies, not rules. Individuals often switch depending on phrase, emphasis, or formality.

Map 1

Neither: “nyther” vs “neether”

Color key: blue = “nyther”, red = “neether”, green = mixed/both common.

US map: "Neither" pronunciation regions — Caption: In American English, regional pronunciation patterns for *neither* and *either* generally align, though *either* shows more variation within speakers and contexts.

Map 2

Either: “eyther” vs “eether”

Color key: blue = “eyther”, red = “eether”, green = mixed/both common.

US map: "Either" pronunciation regions — Caption: Most regions pronounce *neither* and *either* with the same vowel, with *either* being slightly more flexible in everyday speech.