Mastering “Neither… nor” and “Either… or” in English: Part 4 – How to Use Both

 

Both and

“Both” functions similarly to “either,” but like “neither” there are a few important differences. “Neither” is used when there are two options, but you choose all of them.

 

“Both” is a short way of saying: “you and you” or “that and that.” It means that each of the two options is included.

 

“Both” is used with the word “and” not “or.”

Examples

“We are going to both the mall and the swimming pool.”

There are two places we can go to, and we are going to all of them

 

“Both of you is going to the swimming pool.”

There are two people. Two of them are going to the swimming pool.

 

Do you always have to use “both” when there are two options

You do not always have to use “both” when there are two options. If it’s already clear from the sentence that two things are included, then “both” is not necessary.

 

 

 

“We are going to the mall and the swimming pool.”

Important note:

We also do not use “both” when there are more than two options available, just like “either.”

 

Using “Both” to Talk About Likes and Dislikes

Unlike “either,” “both” can show whether or not you like something.

 

“I like either apples or onions.”

This sentence is incorrect and confusing. We usually avoid using "either" with "like" because it doesn’t clearly express which one is liked.

 

“I can put both apples and onions in the salad.”

This sentence doesn’t tell us how much I like either ingredient — it only shows that I have two options. It simply shows that you have two ingredients, and you can use both. It is about options, not feelings.

 

“I like apples more than onions.”

This sentence is correct. It clearly compares how much I like one thing compared to another.

 

“I like both apples and onions.”

This sentence shows that I like apples and onions. But it doesn’t tell us which one I like more.

 

Even though “both” shows that I accept both options, it cannot be used to compare them to each other. I might accept both options but still prefer one over the other.

 

To compare them, I need a different sentence:

“I like apples more than onions.”

Click the following link to go to the next lesson:      

Mastering “Neither… nor” and “Either… or” in English: Part 5 – Either without or

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