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determiner, predeterminer, pronoun American English pronunciation: both /boʊθ/
Both can be used in the following ways:
as a determiner (followed by a noun, but not by a pronoun): Both children are at school.
as a predeterminer (followed by a word such as “the,” “this,” “his,” etc.): I like both these pictures. ♦ Both her children are boys.
as a pronoun: Both arrived at the same time. (followed by “of”): Both of them are learning English. (after a noun or pronoun subject): The twins both have black hair. (following a pronoun object): I like them both. (after a modal or auxiliary verb, or after the verb “to be”): We can both speak Spanish. ♦ They are both good singers.
in the expression both...and...: a method that is both simple and effective
 
  1. used for showing that you are referring to two people or things, and that you are saying the same thing about the two of them

    Both my parents are doctors.

    You can write on both sides of the paper.

    There were two separate projects, and both came up with the same results.

    She invited us both down for a drink.

    both of:

    Both of the leaders expressed hope that the talks would continue.

    two companies, both of which are owned by News International

phrases

This is the American English definition of both. View British English definition of both.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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