Understanding the Correct Answer: "Either"
To comprehend why "either" is the correct answer in this context, let’s break down the options and their meanings.
Options Explained:
- Either: This term is used to refer to one of two possibilities. In the sentence, using "either" indicates that you did not see one specific friend from a pair of friends.
- Neither: This term means not one nor the other of two people or things. Saying "neither of my friends" would imply you didn't see both friends, which doesn’t align with the sentence's intent.
- Both: This term refers to two people or things together. Using "both" would incorrectly suggest that you did not see both friends, which contradicts the structure of the sentence.
- None: This term indicates that there are no friends at all. Using "none" would imply that you didn't see any friends, which is not the intended meaning in this context.
Why "Either" Fits Best:
- The sentence "I didn’t see either of my friends at the party" clearly suggests that you are referring to not seeing one or the other of a specific pair of friends.
- It maintains the original meaning of the sentence while correctly using the structure to indicate a lack of sighting for one among two.
Conclusion:
In summary, "either" effectively captures the idea of not seeing one friend from a pair, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.