both

Meanings

1. 1determinerplural

   Used before a plural noun or alone to mean the two people or things being talked about.

   Grammar: Goes before plural nouns, often before the: both parents, both of the boys.

   Patterns

   • both of someone
   • both the something

   Both my brothers play the guitar.

   I love both of these jackets.

   Both teams played well.

2. 2pronounplural

   The two people or things already mentioned, taken together.

   Grammar: Takes a plural verb: both are ready.

   Patterns

   • both of us
   • both of them

   Both are good choices.

   I invited Sam and Lee, and both came.

   Both of us were tired.

3. 3conjunctionfixed phrase

   Used with and to stress that two things are both true or both included.

   Grammar: Pattern both An and B, with matching grammar: both fast and cheap.

   Patterns

   • both X and Y

   The book is both funny and sad.

   She speaks both French and Spanish.

   He is both a doctor and a poet.

Common combinations

both of us

Both of us wanted the job.

both sides

Both sides agreed to talk.

both ... and

Both the food and the service were excellent.

both at once

You cannot be in both places at once.

both ways

The street is open both ways.

Synonyms and how they differ

the two

The two is plainer and used before a number-specific group: the two of us.

each

Each looks at the two one by one; both treats them together.

either

Either means one or the other, not the two together.

Opposites

Commonly confused: both or either?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “both”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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