Both vs. All
It is actually easy to understand the difference between these two words. In this lesson, we will learn more about them.
What Are Their Main Differences?
Differences
What They Refer to
- 'Both':
refers to two objects out of two. Sometimes it is implied that if we mention to both of the two in a group of two it can be all. That is right. In fact, 'both' can be 'all', but 'all' can not be 'both'.
- 'All':
refers to two or more. To be clear consider a group of one hundred people or things. 'All' refers to every one hundred people or things together at the same time.
Nouns That Follow 'Both' and 'All'
- 'All':
is followed by plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns. Sometimes it can mean 'the whole amount' and this meaning is mostly used with uncountable nouns.
- 'Both':
is followed by plural countable nouns. It can not be used with uncountable nouns.
What Kinds of Verbs Follow 'Both' and 'All'
- 'All':
is followed by a plural or singular verb. With a plural countable noun, use a plural verb, and with uncountable nouns, use singular verbs.
- 'Both':
is followed by a plural verb because it is used for plural nouns.
Similarities
'Both of' and 'All of'
- 'Both' and 'all':
are followed by 'of' when we use determiners or pronouns after them. However, 'both' and 'all' alone can sometimes be used before (determiners + nouns).
Grammatical Functions
- 'Both' and 'all':
- as pronouns
- as determiners
As you might know, pronouns are used alone with no nouns after them, and mostly they come directly before the verb. Determiners are used before nouns to define them.
Since there is a noun after ''both'' and ''all'', they are determiners here .
"Which answer is correct?" "
"What did you choose?" "I don’t know.