"both the boys" vs "both of the boys"

Question

"both the boys" vs "both of the boys"

Both "both of the boys" and "both the boys" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Both of the boys" is more commonly used when referring to a specific group of boys, while "both the boys" is used when the boys have already been mentioned or are known to the listener.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

This phrase is used when the boys have already been mentioned or are known to the listener. It is often used to specify a particular group of boys.

Examples:

I saw both the boys at the park yesterday.
Both the boys who won the competition are from our school.
Both the boys in the blue jackets are brothers.

Alternatives:

Both boys
Both of them
Both of those boys
Both of these boys
Both of my boys

This phrase is used when referring to a specific group of boys. It is followed by a noun to indicate the group being referred to.

Examples:

Both of the boys are good at soccer.
Both of the boys in the red shirts are my friends.
Both of the boys who live next door are twins.

Alternatives:

Both boys
Both of them
Both of those boys
Both of these boys
Both of my boys

Answer 1

both the boys

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

both of the boys

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"both the boys" vs "both of the boys"

both the boys

both of the boys

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