"both motorcyclists" vs "both of the motorcyclists"

Question

"both motorcyclists" vs "both of the motorcyclists"

Both "both motorcyclists" and "both of the motorcyclists" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Both motorcyclists" is more concise and commonly used when referring to two motorcyclists together. On the other hand, "both of the motorcyclists" is used when you want to emphasize each individual motorcyclist in a specific group.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to two motorcyclists together without emphasizing each individual separately.

Examples:

Both motorcyclists were wearing helmets.
Both motorcyclists rode their bikes to the event.

Alternatives:

The two motorcyclists
Both bikers
The pair of motorcyclists
The two riders
The two bikers

This phrase is used when you want to highlight each individual motorcyclist in a group of motorcyclists.

Examples:

Both of the motorcyclists were experienced riders.
I spoke to both of the motorcyclists about the upcoming race.

Alternatives:

Both riders
Both bikers
The two motorcyclists
The pair of motorcyclists
The two riders

Answer 1

both motorcyclists

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

both of the motorcyclists

This phrase is correct and used when emphasizing each individual motorcyclist in a specific group.

"both motorcyclists" vs "both of the motorcyclists"

both motorcyclists

both of the motorcyclists

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