Both...and
B1 IntermediateThe correlative conjunction 'both...and' is used to emphasize that two items, people, or qualities are included together. It connects two grammatically equal parts of a sentence.
Overview
The structure both...and is used to join two words or phrases of the same grammatical type. It emphasizes that the statement applies to two distinct elements rather than just one. When used to join two subjects, the verb must always be plural.
Form
both + [A] + and + [B]
Place both before the first item and and before the second item. The items must be parallel (e.g., two nouns, two adjectives, or two verbs).
Examples
Common mistakes
Both Tom and Sam is coming to the party.
Both Tom and Sam are coming to the party.
When 'both...and' connects two singular subjects, the verb must be plural.
The movie was both long and it was boring.
The movie was both long and boring.
Keep the structure parallel; if the first item is an adjective, the second should be too.
Both vs. Either vs. Neither
| Structure | Meaning | Verb Form |
|---|---|---|
| Both...and | Two out of two (A + B) | Always plural |
| Either...or | One or the other (A or B) | Depends on the closer subject |
| Neither...nor | Zero out of two (Not A and Not B) | Depends on the closer subject |
Practice
Complete the sentence: Both the cake ___ the cookies were delicious.
Show answer
and
Answer:and
Why:The correlative conjunction 'both' is always paired with 'and' to connect two items.
Correct the error: Both my brother and my sister likes chocolate.
Show answer
Both my brother and my sister like chocolate.
Answer:Both my brother and my sister like chocolate.
Why:When 'both...and' joins two subjects, the verb must be in the plural form ('like' instead of 'likes').
Rewrite using 'both...and': He is a talented singer. He is a talented dancer.
Show answer
He is both a talented singer and a talented dancer.
Answer:He is both a talented singer and a talented dancer.
Why:Using 'both...and' combines the two qualities into one sentence for emphasis.