What is both? Pronunciation and usage in English

both means . Learn how to pronounce and use both through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of both

bothpredeterminer

/bəʊθ/
Definition & pronunciation of both

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "both" in English. It's a common stumbling block for non-native speakers!

Here's the breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

The most accurate pronunciation is "boath"

Let's break it down into sounds:

  • "b": As in "boy" - a simple, short "b" sound.
  • "o": As in "open" - a long "o" sound.
  • "a": As in "father" - a short "a" sound.
  • "th": As in "thin" - a voiceless "th" sound (you don't vibrate your vocal cords).

Putting it together: b-o-a-th

Common Mistakes & Why They're Wrong:

  • "both" (like "bought"): This is the most frequent mistake. It's incorrect because the "o" sound isn't long as in "bought" (which is "boht").
  • "bother": This is a completely different word.

Tips for Practice:

  1. Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search YouTube for “how to pronounce both” and listen to several different native speakers. Pay attention to the length of the "o" sound.
  2. Record Yourself: Record yourself saying "both" and compare it to a native speaker's recording.
  3. Slow it Down: Initially, say it slowly and deliberately, focusing on each sound. Once you feel comfortable, speed it up.

Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Say “both” slowly for you?
  • Give you more practice words that sound similar?

Usage and examples with the word both in English

Let's break down how to use the word "both" in English. It's a fairly common word, but it has a specific function.

1. Meaning and Function:

"Both" is a correlative conjunction. This means it's used in pairs with other words (usually "and" or "also") to indicate that two things are included or are true. It emphasizes that neither item is being excluded.

2. Common Usages & Examples:

  • With "and": This is the most frequent use.

    • "I like both coffee and tea." (I like both drinks.)
    • "She finished both her homework and the dishes." (She finished both tasks.)
    • "We need both a car and a bicycle." (We need both modes of transportation.)

  • With "also": "Both" provides more emphasis than “also” when referring to two items.

    • “He played both the piano and the violin. Also, he sang beautifully.” (He played both instruments, and this is an extra highlight.)
    • “I bought both blue and green shirts. Also, I got a belt.” (I bought both colors of shirts, and this is an additional focus.)

  • Referring to multiple things (often with a list):

    • "I wore both a sweater and a jacket." (I wore two items of clothing.)
    • “The team won both games.” (They won two games.)

  • Emphasizing inclusion: You use "both" when you want to make it clear that you’re talking about all of something.

    • "Please close both windows." (Make sure all the windows are closed.)
    • "He read both books." (He read all the books.)

3. Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t use it with single nouns: You can't say "Both apple." You need something to pair it with. Instead, say “Both apples” or “I like both apples and oranges.”

  • Gender Agreement: "Both" is neutral and doesn't change based on the gender of the nouns it refers to. It works equally well with masculine, feminine, and plural nouns. (e.g., "Both dogs and cats are great pets.")

  • Placement: “Both” usually comes before the noun it’s modifying.

4. Let’s Practice!

Complete the sentences with "both" or "and":

  1. I want ______ apples and bananas.
  2. She studied ______ history ______ English.
  3. They bought ______ a new car ______ a motorcycle.
  4. He wore ______ a hat ______ a scarf.

Answers to the practice sentences:

  1. both
  2. and
  3. both
  4. both

Do you want to try some more exercises, or would you like me to explain a specific situation where using "both" might be tricky? For example, are you curious about how it’s used in more formal writing, or in specific types of sentences?

Synonyms for the word both

Practice with vocabulary both

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Sarah and John are coming to the meeting, and they are ______ bringing their laptops.
  2. The teacher explained the rules to ______ the students and the parents.
  3. The company decided to focus on sustainability and innovation, but they prioritized ______.
  4. I couldn’t decide whether to choose the red dress or the blue one, so I bought ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word can complete the sentence?
    "The manager approved ______ teams for the project."
    a) all
    b) neither
    c) both
    d) each

  2. Which word(s) fit the sentence?
    "The report was shared with ______ the marketing and finance departments."
    a) either
    b) both
    c) neither
    d) every

  3. Which word(s) fit the sentence?
    "The candidates presented ______ excellent ideas during the interview."
    a) all
    b) both
    c) each
    d) neither

  4. Which word(s) fit the sentence?
    "The company provides training for ______ new and experienced employees."
    a) all
    b) neither
    c) either
    d) both

  5. Which word(s) fit the sentence?
    "She can speak ______ French and Spanish fluently."
    a) neither
    b) both
    c) all
    d) each

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The two proposals were well-received by the committee.
    Rewrite: The committee appreciated ______ the two proposals.

  2. Original: He enjoys playing soccer and basketball.
    Rewrite: He likes ______ soccer and basketball.

  3. Original: The event was attended by students and teachers.
    Rewrite: ______ students and teachers attended the event.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. both
  2. both
  3. innovation
  4. both

Exercise 2:

  1. c) both
  2. b) both
  3. b) both
  4. d) both
  5. b) both

Exercise 3:

  1. The committee appreciated both the two proposals.
  2. He likes both soccer and basketball.
  3. Both students and teachers attended the event.

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