Both vs both of

Both "both" and "both of" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Both" is used before a plural noun or pronoun, while "both of" is used before a determiner or pronoun. The choice between the two depends on the structure of the sentence.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 300 views

The word "both" is correct when used before a plural noun or pronoun.

"Both"

Use "both" before a plural noun or pronoun to indicate two items or people together.

Examples:

Both cats are sleeping.
Both of my sisters are doctors.
Both options are good.
Both of them are coming to the party.
Both books are interesting.

Show examples from the web [+]

Both sides tolerated him... until recently.
Both so easy to apply with special formula adhesive.
Both cars provide 30% protection.
Both his parents were perfect role models.
Both had stolen men their sisters loved.
Both missing children apparently went without struggle or protest.
Both bottles are of course identical.
Both of you answer the question.
Both our peoples are threatened with complete annihilation.
Both always fretting about what tomorrow may bring.
Both defendants are remanded in custody.
Both victims work for ZBZ Security.
Both versions: original and Lohan.
Both Facebook postings were authored by Gypsy.
Both main characters have carpentry backgrounds.
Both teams hold until prize is acquired.
Both of whom are now dead.
Both girls already speak broad Yorkshire.
Both suspects have a warrant pending.
Both numbers only called each other.

Alternatives:

the two
the pair
the couple
the duo
the twosome

The phrase "both of" is correct when used before a determiner or pronoun.

"both of"

Use "both of" before a determiner or pronoun to indicate two items or people together.

Examples:

Both of the cats are sleeping.
Both of my sisters are doctors.
Both of the options are good.
Both of them are coming to the party.
Both of the books are interesting.

Show examples from the web [+]

Shockwave treats both of the problems simultaneously.
They interviewed both of the neighbors independently.
Fancies himself quite the hunter, both of animals and women.
Thus, Kaulika is an energy both of spirit and matter.
Deputy Bonds had Records run both of their registrations.
She just had tooy around With both of the salvatore brothers.
I destroyed both of my parents' cars.
I've been shot in both of my legs.
I know you were close with both of the concolinos.
What message boards? both of which carry... this.
I came here tonight to have fun with both of my dates.
They murdered both of their parents in order to inherit the family fortune.
Something for both of my sons.
She rescued two other young American women, both of whom told similar stories.
So someone else strangled both of 'em.
Janvier cuts off both of his in return.
Which would also explain the damage to both of their skulls.
Besides, spider-man lost both of his parents, too...
We believe that Bartowski and his team are responsible for both of their deaths.
Maybe one or both of her kids.

Alternatives:

the two of
the pair of
the couple of
the duo of
the twosome of

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Both vs both of

"Both"

"both of"

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