are these sentences acceptable? "if he doesn't argue, i wont either." "i won't argue if he doesn't either."

Question

What about these ones:
"i won't study if she doesn't either."
"i won't help her if they don't either."
"i won't apologize if he isn't going to either."

Answer 1

Drop the word "either" since it's obvious what people you are referring to.
If he doesn't argue, I won't.
I won't study if she doesn't.
I won't help her if they don't.
I won't apologize if he isn't going to.

Truthfully the sentences would read better this way:
If he stops arguing, I will.
I won't study if neither one of us has to.
I choose not to help her for the same reasons they chose.
I won't apologize. He won't, so why should I?

Answer 2

Wow! So many self-appointed grammarians here.

It depends entirely on the context, doesn't it?

All of your examples sound perfectly natural to my ear. They are all found in spoken conversation, though I suppose there may be some regional differences.

Of course, if you were planning to use any of these in a formal letter (which I very much doubt) there are more elegant constructions, some of which have been offered above.

Anyway, I think I know why you asked the question in the first place. In each case you are using the conditional voice ("if...") which implies a possible -- not definite -- outcome. And so there seems to be something not quite right about using the word "either" since that implies a definite duality (i.e.: both people, not just one) that has not yet been established. Am I right?

But think of it this way:

If he argues, I will, too.
If she studies, I will, too.
If they help her, I will, too.
etc.

There's nothing at all wrong with those constructions, and they are simply the positive versions of your negative statements.

So don't sweat it.

If you don't, I won't, either.

Answer 3

Except for lacking the commas between the two phrases, they're both right.

I won't argue, if he doesn't either.

They mean basically the same thing, with only a slight difference in emphasis.

If she won't study, I won't either.

Means the same, really, and is equally correct. (Actually, in yours, I'd drop the 'either' at the end.)

Answer 4

Um, the sentances are correct but a bit unweildy. The last sentance would be more correct because you don't want to end a sentance in a preposition.

And it is completely acceptable to use contractions in writing - that was the whole purpose for inventing them. The lack of contractions tends to make the writing harder to read and grates on the nerves.

Answer 5

Technically yes, but realize when writing most reputable sources agree that using contractions are a no-no. I have not seen you use a sentence without the aid of one.

Answer 6

Capitalize the I.
1st three are OK.
"i won't help her if John and Mary don't."
"i won't apologize if he isn't going to."

Answer 7

No. Be a leader and take the initiative instead.

Answer 8

actually... proper grammar of that idea would be like...

"If he wont argue, neither will I".
"if she doesn't stuudy, neither will I"
"if they don't help her, neither will I"
"if he isn't going to apologize, neither will I"