Both

Both (of) with nouns and pronouns

1 We can put both (of) before nouns and pronouns.

Before a noun with a determiner (for example: the, my, these), both and both of are both possible.

Both (of) my parents like riding.

She’s eaten both (of) the chops.

We can also use both without a determiner.

She’s eaten both chops. (‘= ... both of the chops.)

Only both of is possible before a personal pronoun (us, you, them).

Both of them can come tomorrow.

Mary sends her love to both of us.

2 We can put both after object pronouns.

I’ve invited them both.

Mary sends us both her love.

I’ve made you both something to eat.

3 Note: we do not put the before both.

Both children (NOT the both children)

Both with verbs

Both can go with a verb, in ‘mid-position’, like some adverbs

1 auxiliary verb + both

am/are/is/+ both

We can both swim.

They have both finished.

We are both tired.

2 both + other verb

My parents both like travelling.

You both look tired

Both…and…

both + adjective + and + adjective

both + noun + and + noun

both + clause + and + clause

We usually put the same kind of words after both and and.

She’s both pretty and clever. (adjectives)

I spoke to both the Director and his secretary. (nouns)

(NOT I both spoke to the Director and his secretary.)

She both plays the piano and sings. (verbs)

(NOT She both plays the piano and she sings.) (verb, clause)