both
/bouθ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Determiner & Predeterminer:
- Used to refer to two people or things together, considered as a pair or unit. It indicates that the statement applies equally to each of the two entities mentioned.
Pronoun:
- Used to refer to two people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.
Usage
- As a determiner/predeterminer: "Both" is placed before a plural noun or before a determiner (like "the," "these," "my") and a plural noun.
- As a pronoun: "Both" can stand alone or be followed by "of" before a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun (e.g., us, them).
- In correlative structures: "Both" is used with "and" to connect two parallel elements, emphasizing that the statement includes each one.
Examples
- As a determiner:
- Both children were asleep.
- I like both ideas.
- As a pronoun:
- I have two brothers. Both are engineers.
- Both of the books are interesting.
- I invited them both.
- With "both...and":
- She is both intelligent and hardworking.
- The movie was both long and boring.
Advanced Usage
- Emphatic position: "Both" can be placed after a pronoun object for emphasis.
- She kissed them both.
- With "of" before pronouns: When used with personal pronouns (us, you, them), "both" typically requires "of."
- Correct: Both of us are ready.
- Less common: We both are ready. (Here, "both" is used as an appositive pronoun.)
Variants and Related Words
- Each: Emphasizes individual members of a pair or group separately. ("Each of the two books is good" vs. "Both books are good").
- The two: A more specific phrase that can sometimes be used similarly to "both."
Synonyms
- The two
- The pair
- Each of the two
Related Phrases
- Both sides: Refers to two opposing parties or aspects.
- We need to hear from both sides of the argument.
- Have it both ways: To gain advantage from two conflicting positions (idiomatic).
- You can't have it both ways; you must choose.
Adjective
- (used with count nouns) two considered together; the two
- both girls are pretty