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Both vs both the

Both 'both' and 'both the' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Both' is used when referring to two items or people without specifying them, while 'both the' is used when referring to specific items or people. The choice between them depends on whether you want to be specific or not.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1224 views

Both

This is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'both' when referring to two items or people without specifying them. It is a pronoun that indicates the entirety of two things.

Examples:

  • Both of them are coming to the party.
  • I like both chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
  • 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
  • both of them
  • both of us
  • both options
  • both sides

both the

This is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'both the' when referring to specific items or people. It is used to indicate the entirety of two specific things.

Examples:

  • I enjoyed both the movies we watched last night.
  • Both the cats are sleeping on the couch.
  • These programmes are very influential in both the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors.
  • Zobelle could be pulling strings on both the Hale brothers.
  • I welcome both the debate and this report.
  • Then we could renovate both the kitchen and the bathroom.
  • Benefiting both the giver and the reciever.
  • Double counting may arise when both the Community emission trading scheme and the third country's have a scope covering to/from flights.
  • This Constitution will significantly enhance both the democracy and the effectiveness of the European Union.
  • As already expressed, both the Communication and the Partnership Initiative are very much welcomed.
  • I believe we must assess both the scope and the limitations of any scientific progress.
  • Annulment requires consent from both the husband and the wife.
  • If they both the same Hyorinmaru.
  • The mass appears on both the right and left clavicle.
  • I felt we could recover both the Stealth and the pilot.
  • I gave them both the opportunity.
  • Rosie and I have become quite close to both the Harpers.
  • I know both the Fleuri sisters would be most grateful.
  • Ultimately the Council has accepted both the Ombudsman's recommendations.
  • It exceeded both the maximum BOD and COD levels.
  • This report combines the responses to both the above Commission proposals due to Parliamentary restraints.
  • It shows all eight cameras from both the north and south sides.

Alternatives:

  • the two
  • both of the
  • both of those
  • both of these
  • both of them

Related Comparisons

in the both vs in both the both the vs both of the all of the vs all the for both vs for both the which will negatively affect both vs affect both the

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