Both

both correlative conjunctions distributives quantifiers

'Both' has many functions in English. However, if you do not know how to use it, you may make mistakes. To avoid that, read this lesson.

How to Use "Both" in the English Grammar

Both is a controversial word in English. If you do not know how to use it, you may make mistakes. In this lesson, we have gathered information about both and its uses.

Functions of 'Both'

1. 'Both' as a Determiner

Use

Both as a determiner is used to refer to two things rather than one. It heads a noun to modify it. Look:

Both books are mine.

The two books

I love both meals.

Position in a Sentence

Both as a determiner is used before nouns to add another information to them. Look:

Both countries have been in war.

'Both' is before 'countries.'

I love both meals.

2. 'Both' as a Pre-determiner

Use

Both as a pre-determiner is used to modify a noun. They are placed before the central determiners. Look:

Both my friends are happy.

I talked to both these girls.

Position in a Sentence

Both as a pre-determiner is used before determiners to modify it. It may be placed before an article too. Take a look:

I talked to both these girls.

'These' is a determiner and 'both' is a pre-determiner.

3. 'Both' as a Pronoun

Use

Both as a pronoun refers to a noun it replaces. It refers to the two people or things it replaces. For example:

I want both, please.

I have a guitar and a percussion. Both sound awesome.

'Both' refers to 'a guitar and a percussion.'

Position in a Sentence

Both as a pronoun can be the subject or the object of the sentence as it replaces them. Take a look:

Both sounds amazing.

'Both' is a pronoun that has replaced the subject.

I have two books. I keep both for me.

'Both' is the object of the verb 'keep' and it refers to 'two books.'

4. 'Both... And' as a Correlative Conjunction

Use

Both as one of the correlative conjunctions is used with and to join words and phrases of equal weight in a sentence. Take a look:

This spray can both clean the floor and dry your hair.

The show will be both in Oregon and London.

Position in a Sentence

Both as a correlative conjunction heads phrases or words. Take a look:

The show will be both in Oregon and London.

'Both' heads a prepositional phrase that acts as an adverb here.

This spray can both wipe this germ out and dry your hair.

'Both' heads a phrase. Remember that the phrases after 'both... and' are of equal weight.

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