Both is used to refer to two people or things together, indicating that something applies equally to each of them. It functions as a determiner (before a noun) or a pronoun (replacing a noun phrase) and always takes a plural verb.
What Does Both Mean?
Both comes from Old English ba and begen, related to Old Norse baðir and German beide, all descending from Proto-Germanic *bai- meaning "both". The word has retained its core meaning — the two together — essentially unchanged throughout the history of English.
In modern English, both emphasises that two items are included equally, with no exceptions. It is one of the most frequent words in the language, appearing in everyday conversation, academic writing, and formal documents alike. Mastering both also means understanding its partners: either (one or the other), neither (not one and not the other), and all (three or more items).
As a determiner, both appears directly before a plural noun or before the + plural noun: both hands, both the candidates. As a pronoun, it stands alone: "Two options were presented. Both seemed reasonable." In the correlative conjunction pattern both … and …, it links two parallel structures of equal grammatical weight. See Cambridge Dictionary's full entry on “both” for more examples.
Example Sentences by Level
| Sentence | Level | Usage note |
|---|---|---|
| Both students passed the exam with high marks. | A2 | both as determiner before plural noun |
| I have two cats. Both are very friendly. | A2 | both as pronoun replacing a noun phrase |
| She speaks both French and Spanish fluently. | B1 | both … and … correlative conjunction |
| They have both finished their assignments ahead of the deadline. | B1 | both in mid-position after auxiliary verb |
| The report addresses both the economic and the environmental consequences of the decision. | B2 | both … and … linking complex noun phrases |
| Both parties to the contract are required to sign in the presence of a witness. | C1 | formal/legal register; both as determiner |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| both … and … | The course covers both grammar and vocabulary. |
| both sides | Both sides of the argument were presented fairly. |
| both hands | He carried the tray with both hands. |
| both ways | You cannot have it both ways — you must choose. |
| both of us / them / you | Both of us agreed that the plan needed revision. |
| in both cases | In both cases, the results were inconclusive. |
| on both occasions | She arrived late on both occasions. |
| for both parties | The agreement was beneficial for both parties. |
| appeal to both | The film is designed to appeal to both adults and children. |
| combine both | The new approach combines both tradition and innovation. |
Usage Notes
Both always takes a plural verb. Whether both is a determiner or a pronoun, the verb that agrees with it must be plural: "Both options are valid", not "Both options is valid". This applies even when both appears in mid-position: "They are both excellent candidates."
When both precedes a definite article, the article follows: both the doors, not the both doors. In informal speech you may hear "the both of them", but this is non-standard and should be avoided in formal writing. The standard forms are both of them or both doors.
In the both … and … pattern, the two elements joined must be grammatically parallel. "She is both talented and dedicated" (adjective + adjective) is correct. "She is both talented and she works hard" (adjective + clause) is not parallel and sounds awkward. Keep the structures on either side of and matching.
When both is used as a floating quantifier (mid-position), it sits after the first auxiliary verb or after the verb be: "They have both left." / "They are both tired." This mid-position is more common in spoken British English than placing both at the front of the clause.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
Both of the student were late to class.
Both of the students were late to class. (plural noun + plural verb)
She is both talented and she works very hard.
She is both talented and hardworking. (parallel adjectives)
The both of them decided to quit.
Both of them decided to quit. (no article before both)
All three candidates passed — both were impressive.
All three candidates passed — all were impressive. (use all for three or more items)
Related Words
Practise This Word
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Frequently Asked Questions about “both”
What does both mean in English?
Both means two things or people together, with equal reference to each one. It emphasises that something is true of the first and the second item: 'Both students passed' means student A passed and student B passed. It can function as a determiner (before a noun) or a pronoun (replacing a noun phrase).
Is both a determiner or a pronoun?
Both can be either. As a determiner it comes before a noun: 'Both windows were open.' As a pronoun it replaces a noun phrase: 'I have two sisters. Both live in London.' In both roles it always refers to exactly two items and always takes a plural verb.
How do you use both … and … in a sentence?
The correlative conjunction 'both … and …' links two parallel elements of equal importance. For example: 'She is both intelligent and hardworking.' The two parts should be grammatically parallel — both nouns, both adjectives, or both verb phrases. Avoid mixing structures such as 'She is both intelligent and works hard.'
What is the difference between both and all?
Both refers to exactly two items: 'Both cats are black.' All refers to three or more items (or sometimes to an entire uncountable mass): 'All the cats are black.' Using 'both' when there are three or more items is a common learner error — use 'all' instead.
Can both be used with singular nouns?
No. Both always refers to two items and always takes a plural noun and a plural verb. You cannot say 'both child' — you must say 'both children'. The verb that follows must also be plural: 'Both options are available', not 'Both options is available'.
What is the difference between both and either?
Both means the two together (inclusive): 'Both roads lead to the town centre.' Either means one or the other, but not necessarily both (open choice): 'You can take either road.' Neither is the negative form: 'Neither road is safe at night.'
Where does both go in a sentence with an auxiliary verb?
When both is used as a floating quantifier it comes after the first auxiliary verb or after 'be': 'They have both finished.' / 'They are both tired.' This mid-position placement sounds more natural in spoken British English than putting both at the start of the clause.
Can you say 'the both of them'?
The phrase 'the both of them' is used informally in some regional British dialects, but it is not considered standard written English. In formal and written contexts, use 'both of them' without the definite article: 'I invited both of them to the meeting.'
What is the etymology of both?
Both comes from Old English 'ba' (masculine/feminine) and 'begen', related to Old Norse 'baðir' and German 'beide'. All these forms descend from Proto-Germanic *bai- meaning 'both'. The word has remained remarkably stable in form and meaning throughout the history of English.
How can I practise using both in English?
Try LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to practise both in context, choosing between both, either, neither, and all. You can also use the Flash Cards tool to review determiners and pronouns as a group. Writing your own sentences that use 'both … and …' is an excellent active learning strategy.