This post include using both in different types. Both … and …, both … of and etc… Follow the detailed expressions and example sentences;
Using BOTH in English
Both refers to two things or people together. Both is always considered plural in a sentence.
- Both these boys are brothers.
- Hold the book with both hands.
- Both countries should be make a peace.
- The earthquake was felt in both sides of the city.
- I want to take both.
- Both are fast.
Using ‘Both’:
Both is used with plural noun.
Both + plural noun
- Both companies are on the brink of bankruptcy.
- Both families are worried about their children.
- We should learn both languages.
Using Both with ‘and’:
Both can be used to link two adjectives to a sentence.
Both + Adjective + and + Adjective
- He is both smart and resourceful.
- My father was both happy and sad when I got married.
- They are both tired and hungry after shopping.
Both also can be used to link two nouns to a sentence.
Both + Noun + and + Noun
- You can be both mother and businesswoman.
- Both Alice and Susan have to comply with the rules.
- I used to like playing both football and basketball when I was young.
Using Both with ‘of’:
When both is used before a determiner (my, she, his, the, these, etc.), both and both of can be used without a difference in meaning.
Both (of) + determiner + plural noun
- Both his parents ( both of his parents ) are alive.
- Both these girls ( both of these girls ) are very intelligent.
- Both my students ( both of those students ) didn’t wear the school uniform.
Note: When we use both (without ‘of’) with plural nouns , ‘the’ which is a determiner is dropped.
- Both of the businessmen are wealthy.
- Both businessmen are wealthy.
When both is used with an object pronoun ( you, us, them ), the preposition ‘of’ is added before that pronoun.
Both of + object pronoun ( you, us, them )
- The teacher is always looking at both of us. ( not both us )
- This job will be good for both of you. ( not both you )
- Both of them like this soup. ( not both them)
Both’s Positions in a Sentence:
Both can be used as a pronoun:
Both as Pronoun
- We took both. ( green and white shoes )
- She likes both. ( swimming and dancing )
- I can’t carry both. ( bag and suitcase )
Both can be used after a subject pronoun.
Subject Pronoun + both
- We both prefer classical music.
- You both made a mistake.
Both can be used after an object pronoun:
Verb+ object pronoun + both
- The manager called us both. ( both of us)
- We sent them both to be given to the poor people. ( both of them)
- Let’s take them both. ( both of them)
Both’s Positions in a situation where both refers to the subject of a sentence:
When we use the verb ‘be’ as a main verb, ‘both’ comes after the verb.
To be + both
- These games are both currently popular among young people.
- Those things are both very expensive.
When we use a modal verb ( can, may, have to, should, must, be able to, ought to ), both comes
between the subject and main verb, after a modal verb or the first auxiliary verb.
Modal verb + both + verb
- You should both study more if you want to be successful.
- Jack and Kevin would both be sorry for their attitutes if they knew the truth.
When we use a main verb, both comes before the verb.
Subject + both + main verb
- We both want to stay at the same hotel.
- They both want to buy a new car.
Using Both in a Negative Sentence:
Both is not used in a negative sentence. Neither is used instead of it.
- Neither of them passed the exam. ( we don’t say ‘ Both of them didn’t pass the exam’.)
