"both the boys" vs "both boys"

Question

"both the boys" vs "both boys"

Both "both the boys" and "both boys" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Both the boys" is used when referring to specific boys that have been previously mentioned or are known, while "both boys" is used when referring to two boys in a general sense.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use "both the boys" when you want to refer to particular boys that have been identified or are familiar in the context.

Examples:

Both the boys were playing football in the park.
I gave a book to both the boys.
Both the boys who won the competition were from the same school.
She knows both the boys who live next door.
Both the boys in the red shirts are brothers.

Alternatives:

Both of the boys
Both those boys
Both these boys
Both those two boys
Both the young boys

Use "both boys" when you want to refer to two boys without specifying particular individuals.

Examples:

Both boys were excited to go to the zoo.
I bought gifts for both boys.
Both boys in the class are very talented.
She invited both boys to her birthday party.
Both boys are wearing blue shirts.

Alternatives:

Both of the boys
Both those boys
Both these boys
Both those two boys
Both the young boys

Answer 1

both the boys

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to specific boys that have been previously mentioned or are known.

Answer 2

both boys

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to two boys in a general sense.

"both the boys" vs "both boys"

both the boys

both boys

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