Quiz: All You Need to Know About “BOTH”

We do not put the definite article before “both”. Both is a determiner, no need to add another determiner before it. But the determiner can go after “both”, although it is not necessary. So, it is possible to say “Both these (the) restaurants are closed”

“Both of” requires a determiner: a pronoun or the definite article. (both of + determiner + noun)

Both variants are correct. (both + possessive pronoun + noun = both of + possessive pronoun + noun)

We must use “of” after both when it’s followed by an objective pronoun

The objective pronoun may go before “both” without a preposition. If it follows “both”, it requires the preposition “of”, so you can say “I saw both of them at the concert”

“Both” goes after a personal pronoun

Generally, “be” preceded “both. the first variant is considered correct. However, the second variant might be accepted if you want to put an additional emphasis. But the second variant is far less common.

An auxiliary or a modal goes before “both”

“Both” is never used in a negative sentence. Only “neither” or “either”. Another example: I didn’t like either of them

Technically both variants are correct, but the second one is considered a bad choice. The classical construction is both… and … Using “as well as” with “both” creates confusion