both
determiner, pronoun
UK/bəʊθ/US/boʊθ/
used to refer to two people, things, or groups together, or to each of them individually
Example Sentences
Both answers are correct, so you can choose either one.
He invited both of his friends to the party on Saturday.
Both solutions seem viable, so we'll test them further.
I couldn’t decide because I liked both options equally.
They agreed that both sets of data had to be verified carefully.
We traveled to both cities during our vacation.
Despite their different personalities, both sisters share a deep passion for music, often spending weekends performing together in local venues.
When applying for grants, it’s wise to consider both governmental and private funding sources, as each may offer distinct advantages and eligibility criteria.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A determiner or pronoun indicating inclusion of two elements togetherThe word “both” is typically used when you want to emphasize two items, people, or concepts at the same time, underscoring that neither is excluded. For instance, you might say, “Both my parents are teachers,” to show that this fact applies equally to your mother and father. You could also clarify two objects: “Please hand me both the notebook and the pen,” or highlight parallel qualities: “Both cities have beautiful parks.” Grammatically, “both” can function as a determiner (“both books”), or as a pronoun on its own (“Both are available”). When joined with “and,” it forms a common structure: “both A and B,” ensuring clarity that two entities or actions are included and none is left out. In longer sentences, be mindful of parallel structure for smooth reading, like “She excels at both singing and dancing.” This symmetrical construction helps readers identify the two highlighted items immediately. Whether referencing people, objects, or ideas, “both” conveys an inclusive sense—two elements united under one statement or context, rather than selecting just one or the other.
Alternatives
If you find yourself overusing “both” or want to diversify expressions, consider phrases like “the two of them,” “the pair,” or “each one.” These can emphasize duality without repeating the same word too frequently. You might say, “We need to focus on these two tasks,” instead of “both tasks,” or “They each contributed equally” in place of “They both contributed.” In more formal or literary text, “the duo” or “the couple” can highlight a close relationship between the two items or individuals. Synonyms such as “the two,” “the pair,” or “the twofold set” might better suit a more academic or structured setting, especially if you’re referencing concepts like “the twofold benefit of this method.” Whether you choose “both” or one of these synonyms depends on the tone, clarity, and emphasis you want. Short phrases like “one and the other” can also break monotony. Essentially, varying your wording helps keep your text fresh and underscores the importance of including two items, qualities, or people in one inclusive thought. Be sure that any replacement or synonym preserves the central meaning: something pertains to two elements, not just one.
Writing
When writing, “both” provides clarity that you’re addressing two items or concepts as a single unit or set. In academic and professional documents, use it to show parallel elements: “The study analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data.” This structure suggests neither type of data is being omitted, while also highlighting their distinct nature. For best readability, place “both” near the terms it applies to: “He visited both London and Paris,” rather than scattering the sentence components. If your text becomes repetitive, rework your phrasing or insert synonyms, so each mention remains purposeful. In more creative or narrative work, “both” can help describe characters or events in a symmetrical, cohesive way: “Both protagonists confronted their fears.” Pairing “both” with “and” is a quick approach to emphasize dual elements within the same clause. Always keep track of parallelism to ensure a symmetrical grammatical pattern—using “both running and swimming,” for example, rather than mixing a noun form and a gerund. With well-placed usage, “both” becomes a concise tool to unify two items that deserve equal attention, clarity, or importance in your writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “both” is an easy way to say you want two things at once, or to mention two ideas equally. You might say, “I like both rock and jazz music,” which tells others you’re not picking one over the other. When discussing errands or planning, “We’ll handle both the groceries and the dry cleaning today,” covers your tasks without any confusion. If you’re describing similarities—“They’re both really into gaming”—people instantly grasp that the hobby applies to each of them. In casual chats, you can also use “both of us” or “both of them” to show shared involvement: “Both of us love trying new restaurants.” On social media, try a short but impactful statement like, “Yes, I want both,” adding a lighthearted flair when you can’t decide between two fun choices. While “both” is simple and straightforward, it stays super flexible in everyday talk, ensuring your message is crisp and everyone knows that two items, people, or actions are equally included in the conversation.
Etymology
The word “both” has Old English roots—spelled “bā” or “bē”—which came from Proto-Germanic “*bai,” signifying two together. Over time, English speakers combined these sounds with the concept of dual inclusion, weaving in influences from Old Norse forms that also distinguished a pair as a single unit. During the Middle English period, spelling and pronunciation shifted to “both,” consolidating the word’s familiar form. Throughout centuries of linguistic evolution, “both” remained consistent in function: a succinct, practical way to convey that two distinct items or individuals should be considered collectively. This unwavering utility likely reflects how often people need to refer to pairs—be they physical objects, people, or abstract ideas. As other synonyms and phrases developed, “both” persisted as the most direct, widely understood method of showing dual inclusion—suiting everything from everyday speech to formal documentation. Whether the subject is about people’s shared passion or pairing two topics in an academic essay, “both” stands as a linguistic cornerstone for connecting a dual set in a single, unified mention.
