CONTENT
Distributives are words we use to describe how a group of people or things are divided or shared out. Some of the most common distributives in English are both, either, and neither. We use them to refer only to two things or people.
Example
Explanation
I like both coffee shops that are near my place.
In this case, both is used in the meaning of all.
Both
Rule 1: We use both before plural nouns in the meaning of all in reference to two things.
Example
Explanation
Both dresses look fantastic on you.
Both comes before the plural noun dresses.
Rule 2: We can use both and both of before plural nouns with determiners (the, a/an, that, etc.), but we must use both of before object pronouns (us, them, etc.).
Example
Explanation
You can choose anything you like, both/both of these restaurants have delivery. But hurry up, both of us are already hungry.
In the first sentence, both options are acceptable. In the second sentence, we must use both of.
Rule 3: We can use both after a subject pronoun to emphasize even more that we are referring to two things or people. In this case, the word both comes after an auxiliary verb or the verb be but before other verbs.
Example
Explanation
We are both already hungry.
Both is used to emphasize that we are referring to two people.
Both ... and
Rule 4: We use the construction both … and to connect two things. It's best to ensure that these things are of the same grammatical type so that the sentence sounds balanced.
Example
Explanation
Exercising is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being.
We use the construction both ... and to connect to adjectives.
Note: Distributive both does not have a negative meaning.
Quiz
1/4
Choose the correct answer. I try to eat ___ (vegan, gluten-free).
0
correct answers.