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 p.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/was/were + both)
We can both swim.
The 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)
Note: The tips in this series are picked from various sources!
~* GS *~
March 31, 2013
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