-
EM
-
Articles
-
Grammar
-
Conjunctions
Summary
The word both refers to each of two people or things. Before a noun, use both. Before a pronoun, use both of.
Examples
- Both destinations are now open to tourists.
- Both of us are happy.
Both and both of can be used interchangeably before a determiner.
Example
- Both (of) these cakes are delicious.
With both–and as a linking expression, maintain parallel structure in formal texts.
Examples
- Poor: The signs are both in English and Spanish.
- Better: The signs are in both English and Spanish.
Use neither or either instead of both in negative sentences.
Examples
- Neither of us is happy.
Instead of “Both of us are not happy.”
- I can’t find either of my shoes.
Instead of “I can’t find both my shoes.”
No commas are needed around both.
Examples
- Both my manager and I have replied to your emails.
- This book makes me both happy and sad.
What is both?
The word both refers to each of two people or things.
Examples
- Both are my friends.
- Both reports are due today.
- Both almonds and walnuts are good for health.
- Farley has lost both his bags.
- Maya likes both books and music.
- They were both excited about the trip.
Both can be used as a pronoun in place of a noun phrase.
Examples
- Both have grown old.
The pronoun both refers to two people.
- Both of them like music.
- I’ll take both, thanks.
Both can also be used adjectivally (as a determiner or predeterminer) to emphasize a reference to two people or things as opposed to just one.
Examples
- Both stores are true.
As a determiner before the noun “stories.”
- Both these stories are true.
As a predeterminer before the noun phrase “these stories.”
- I need both tickets, please.
Both can be paired with and to stress the inclusion of two people or things. It thus works as a conjunction, a word that helps join two parts of a sentence.
Examples
- Both my dog and my cat have grown old.
- Lulu likes both pizza and pasta.
- To reach Koh Samui, you have to take both a bus and a catamaran.
- Rita detests both fruits and vegetables.
Note
It is sometimes thought that the word both is unnecessary when it is already clear that reference is being made to two people or things. But both is a useful and necessary word to refer to each of the two.
Example
- Both her parents were teachers, and she grew up believing that education was important.
Emphasizes that each of the two parents was a teacher; more emphatic than simply saying “Her parents were teachers.”
In this article, we discuss how to use both correctly in all its uses.
Is both singular or plural?
Both as a pronoun refers to two people or things and is always plural.
Examples
- Both
is/are correct. - Both
wants/want these tickets. - Both
likes/like cheese.
When used adjectivally, both again refers to two people or things. Therefore, it is used with plural instead of singular nouns.
Examples
- Both
option/options are correct. - Both my
sister/sisters want these tickets. - Both
cat/cats like cheese.
In both–and constructions as well, use plural instead of singular verbs.
Examples
- Both Farley’s wallet and his watch
is/are lost. - Both the table and the chairs
is/are wobbly. - Both tea and coffee
is/are served here.
Both vs. both of
Both and both of can both occur before a determiner, with no difference in meaning. (A determiner is a word that appears before a noun and qualifies its reference—these houses, her children, your ideas).
Examples
- Both these houses are for sale.
- She claims to love both of her children equally.
- Both your ideas sound great to me.
- Both of my wrists hurt when I use the phone.
Most editors will delete of in such a construction (both of these houses), since the preposition of doesn’t add to the meaning of the sentence. Its use is still grammatically acceptable and quite common in speech.
When it is clear what is being referred to, determiners are often omitted with both. Directly before a noun, only both can be used, not both of.
Examples
- Correct: Both houses are for sale.
- Correct: Both children now go to school.
- Correct: Both ideas sound great to me.
Before a pronoun like them or us, use both of, not simply both.
Examples
- Correct: Both of them are correct.
Not “Both them are correct.”
- Correct: They have invited both of us to the party.
But both is perfectly fine after a pronoun.
Examples
- You can ask them both what they think.
- They both play the piano.
- We both love to travel.
- They have invited us both to the party.
- I want you both to listen to me carefully.
Tip
There is no difference in meaning between “I like them both” and “I like both of them.” However, the “both of + pronoun” construction is generally preferred after a preposition (on, of, for, with, etc.).
Examples
- I have worked with both of them.
Seen more often than “I have worked with
them both
.”
- These passes are for both of us.
Used more often than “These are for
us both
.”
Position of both in a sentence
Both can appear before or after the phrase it modifies.
Examples
- Correct: Both of them work from home.
or
Correct: They both work from home.
- Correct: Both their cats are happy about it.
or
Correct: Their cats are both happy about it.
Some writers prefer “Both of them are happy” to “They are both happy,” arguing that the reader might be misled into expecting more information to appear in the second sentence: They are both happy and something else—what? In reality though, readers are used to parsing a sentence with both correctly from context. Both the following sentences are perfectly acceptable and mean the same thing.
Example
- Correct: Both of them are happy.
or
Correct: They are both happy.
Interestingly, in sentences like “They are both happy,” both appears in an adverbial position (before the adjective). But it still refers to the noun phrase (their cats) rather than describing the adjective (happy). Therefore, it still functions as a pronoun rather than an adverb. Both often takes adverbial positions in sentences, still performing the duties of a pronoun by referring to a noun.
Examples
- They both want to go to Thailand.
between subject (they) and main verb (want)
- They have both already been to Malaysia.
after auxiliary verb (have)
- They can both paint.
after modal verb (can)
- They are both freelancers.
after be as the main verb (are)
Tip
When the main verb in a sentence is the be verb (are, were), the word both generally appears after rather than before the verb.
Example
- We were both happy.
Preferred to “We both were happy.” But “Both of us were happy” is perfectly fine.
They are both doctors.
Preferred to “They both are doctors.” But “Both of them are doctors” is perfectly fine.
Both–and as linking term
The word both combines with and to emphasize the inclusion of two people or things. Use both—and to join two parts of equal importance in a sentence.
Examples
- Anita is both kind and intelligent.
Emphasizes that she has both qualities and not just one; more emphatic than “Anita is
kind and intelligent.”
- Lulu likes both cupcakes and muffins.
- We are open on both Saturday and Sunday.
- You need to submit both an application and a statement of purpose.
- Both Anita and Maya have applied for this job.
- You should pack both shoes and sandals.
Both and and thus form a pair of correlative conjunctions. In formal writing, the two elements joined by both–and should be grammatically balanced and parallel in structure.
Examples
- Poor: They have offices both in London and Paris.
Both and and should join two balanced elements in a sentence. “In London” is a prepositional phrase, while “Paris” is a noun. Take “in” out of the construction to create balance.
Better: They have offices in both London and Paris.
Both and and now join two balanced elements, which are both nouns.
- Poor: We are open both on weekends and weekdays.
Better: We are open both on weekends and on weekdays. - Poor: This contract needs to be signed both by Anita and me.
Better: This contract needs to be signed by both Anita and me.
Caution
In formal writing (such as academic, business, and other official texts), ensure parallel structure. Don’t use both–and to join two unbalanced or mismatched elements in a sentence.
Example
- Poor: I have worked both in sales and manufacturing.
Better: I have worked in both sales and manufacturing.
Both-and can join two pairs of plural nouns to refer to two classes or categories of things.
Examples
- Both cats and dogs make great companions.
- You should eat both almonds and walnuts.
Both is not generally used with other connectives like as well as and together with in formal writing, although such constructions are occasionally seen in informal usage. These connectives are quasi-conjunctions, so using them in place of and is semantically possible but causes syntactic confusion, which is probably why most writers and editors avoid such usage altogether.
Example
- Poor: Both the cat as well as the dog like pizza.
Better: Both the cat and the dog like pizza.
Both in negatives: Both vs. neither and either
In general, use neither instead of both in negative sentences: for example, use “neither can” instead of “both can’t.”
Examples
- Neither of the contestants can bake.
Preferred to “Both the contestants can’t bake.”
- Neither of them is an astronaut.
Instead of “Both of them are not astronauts.”
Similarly, use neither–nor instead of both–and in negative sentences.
Examples
- Neither my mother nor my father can bake.
Preferred to “Both my mother and my father cannot bake.”
- Neither the bus nor the train is available.
Instead of “Both the bus and the train aren’t available.”
Both may sometimes be used in negative statements when the word not needs to be emphasized.
Example
- “I thought they were experts.”
“Well, clearly, they are both not experts.”
Note
With a negative verb, use either instead of both to refer to two people or things.
Examples
- It isn’t clear from
both studies/either study whether caffeine is good or bad for you. - Farley hasn’t heard back from
both/either of the places he applied to last month.
With either-or constructions, not both may be used to emphasize the exclusive nature of the options presented.
Examples
- You can have shoes that are either pretty or comfortable, not both.
- This implies that people can be either wealthy or decent, not both.
Use of the: Both or both the?
The article the is often omitted after both, although using it is not incorrect.
Examples
- Both (the) movies deserve an Oscar.
- We should talk to both (the) students about respecting people’s boundaries.
- Because both (the) applicants are equally qualified, it’s impossible to choose.
Determiners are often omitted after both when it is clear what is being referred to.
Example
- Both these cupcakes are mine.
or
Both cupcakes are mine.
Commas with both
In general, a comma isn’t needed before or after both in a sentence.
Examples
- Poco likes both pizza and pasta.
- Both Mauritius and Fiji are beautiful countries.
- Mauritius and Fiji are both beautiful countries.
A comma may be required for a reason unrelated to the use of both—for example, after a subordinate clause or before a nonrestrictive clause. Use the comma then as usual.
Examples
- If this is right, both of us are wrong.
- I bought both, which is funny because neither of them fits me.
Examples from literature
Here are some examples from published writing that show how the word both is used in sentences.
Examples
They had daubed my face and both my hands with a sort of ointment, very pleasant to the smell, which, in a few minutes, removed all the smart of their arrows.
I promised myself both of these when my creation should be complete.
‘Really, girls, you are both to be blamed,’ said Meg.
A gross deception has been practised on both of us.
— Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest (1895)
He had either been engaged to somebody or quarrelled with her family and old Parry disliked them both equally, which was a great bond.
The best marriages, like the best lives, were both happy and unhappy.
The word that I’m thinking of right now is genre, one of those French words, like crêpe, that no one can pronounce both correctly and without sounding pretentious.
— Michael Chabon, Introduction to McSweeney’s Enchanted Chamber of Astonishing Stories (2004)
Is both singular or plural?
Using “both” Both can be used with plural nouns on its own, or it can be followed by “of”, with or without an article. When followed by a plural pronoun, both must be separated from the pronoun by “of”. Both cannot be used with singular nouns, because it refers to two things.
Is the both grammatically correct?
3 Answers. One would normally just say “both of you” for both subject and object. Rarely, and much less formally, one might say “the both of you” for emphasis, but this should be avoided in Standard English. The word ‘both’ is not a noun, so it cannot be preceded by ‘the’.
Can you say both them?
“Both of them are okay.” Both and them refer to more than one person. “Is” is a singular verb (3rd person.)
Can both be a subject?
We can use both after a subject pronoun or an object pronoun: We both prefer classical music. Let’s open them both now.
What is both in grammar?
As a pronoun, ‘both’ indicates that two items are being discussed and is therefore used in place of the phrase “the two.” The use of ‘both’ to discuss three or more entities is grammatically incorrect. Both samples were measured.
Has both or both has?
Both is plural, so it is followed plural verbs such a have , are , do , do not , go .an so on. As 5jj said, and as all of us keep saying, context is crucial: ‘Both has and have are forms of the verb ‘to have’.”
How do you use both and both?
Both means two of the two things. Both my students passed the exam. Both my children are married. When we use Both and both of before a noun with determiner, there is no difference between them.
How do you pronounce both?
Most of us are familiar with this word:
- BOTH.
- Pronounced: bōTH.
- pronoun.
- used to refer to two nouns identified together.
- BOLTH.
- Pronounced: bowl-TH.
- pronoun.
- used to refer to the word ‘both’ but with an unnecessary ‘L’ added right in the middle.
When to use both and all?
The word both is used when there are two things or two people being discussed while “all” relates to a group of three or more. So for two people you would say: Both of us went out to lunch together. For three or more people: All of us went out to lunch together.
Can you all be used for 2 people?
4 Answers. It depends on the level of formality, and the regional dialect of the people you are speaking to. In the Southern dialect of American English, the plural of “you” is “y’all”. “You” is the pronoun for second person singular and plural see wikipedia, for example.
Can all be used for two persons?
The words all and both can be used as pronouns.
Can we use the after both?
Correct. Both can be a pronoun, (pre)determiner or conjunction. Jackson6612 But I think using definite article “the” before “both” is considered wrong because “both” in itself somewhat plays the role of a “definite article”. Correct.
Is both a quantifier?
Quantifiers can be a single word (e.g. some) or a phrase (e.g. a lot of). Quantifiers that appear as a phrase are often called Complex Quantifiers. Simple Quantifiers: all, another, any, both, each, either, enough, every, few, fewer, little, less, many, more, much, neither, no, several, some.
What is the plural of person in English?
As a general rule, you’re absolutely right – person is used to refer to an individual, and the plural form is people. As you have said, we can also use peoples to talk about different groups within a nation or the world. For example: The peoples of the world must unite to tackle climate change.
Can you say persons in English?
The noun person has two plurals: persons and people. Most people don’t use persons, but the sticklers say there are times when we should.
Can we say Childs?
We do NOT say “childs”. Also, there is no S at the end of the word children. We do NOT say “childrens”. The word Children (without an S at the end) is an irregular plural noun so we don’t put an S at the end.
Why do we say children not childs?
A: In Old English, nouns that followed certain patterns formed their plurals with -n rather than –s. This -en ending was so popular in Middle English that it was even added to existing irregular plurals, so that brethre (plural of “brother”) became brethren and childer (plural of “child”) became children.
-
#1
Good day to everyone and many thanks in advance;
I have a doubt about the approprietness of these two sentences:
a) You may come to our funfair, where both fun and distraction time is assured.
b) You may come to our funfair, where both fun and distraction time are assured.
Which one is (more) grammatically correct? I do not know whether the fact that time is uncountable a noun makes any difference.
Thanks.
-
#2
«Time» is not an uncountable noun in this context and it needs an article. The adjective should be «distracting».
Whether the nouns are singular countable, plural countable or uncountable has no bearing. «Both» always takes a plural verb.
-
#3
Thank you for your reply.
Then, should I deem «You may come to our funfair, where both a fun and a distracting time(s) are assured» as the most correct one?
-
#4
No. «Fun» is fine as an uncountable noun. If you want to use it as an adjective, then «time» only needs one article: «a fun and distracting time». However, if you still want to include «both» then it has to come after the article:
You may come to our funfair, where a both fun and distracting time is assured.
This is really unnatural English, and it would be better rearranged as something like:
You may come to our funfair, where a time both fun and distracting is assured.
I just knew I’d get caught out with the «always» in post #2. English is such a slippery language that «always» and «never» almost always need some qualification. When «both» is used with two nouns, then the verb is always plural. However, if you just have one singular or uncountable noun and use «both» for a pair of adjectives, then the verb is singular.
-
#5
Okay, I think I get it. But maybe the example I made up was not the best for the case, so that, if you do not mind, I will put the (almost) real sentence that caused my doubts. Here you are:
«Talking is the centre of language learning itself, where both oral and written communication is included.»
As for you say, I must leave «is» as it is, in singular, yet, I understand that in the meaning of the sentence oral is one thing and written a different thing, and not adjectives that complement the same noun, so maybe here «both» is more necessary than in the example sentence, where as you said is completely dispensable.
But if you tell me the real sentence is all right, I would gladly believe it (that would not be so weird).
-
#6
I don’t understand the sentence. In what way does talking include written communication?
However, I think your question can be answered without worrying too much about the meaning of the sentence as a whole. You are referring to two different kinds of communication, not using two adjectives to describe the same communication, so you should use «are». If you like, you can think of it as «…both oral communication and written communication are…»
This is different from «a fun and distracting time», where it is the same time that is simultaneously fun and distracting.
-
#8
I don’t understand the sentence. In what way does talking include written communication?
Yeah, let’s forget about the first clause.
You are referring to two different kinds of communication, not using two adjectives to describe the same communication, so you should use «are». If you like, you can think of it as «…both oral communication and written communication are…»
Exactly, that’s what I meant in post #5.
But now, let me bother you a little more (you are so kind). You just said I should use «are», so I must deduce that in those cases in which the sentence is referring to two different kinds of the same thing, singular verb is not appropriate, is it?
So,
«
Talking
is the centre of language learning itself, where both oral and written communication is included» is wrong.
And:
«
Talking
is the centre of language learning itself, where both oral communication and written communication are included» is right.
Is it?
-
#9
In what way does talking include written communication?
It doesn’t — but language learning itself does.
-
#10
There are many previous Word Ref threads on this subject of «both + is or are»:
forum.wordreference.com — both is are
I searched for the same topic but none of the threads related matched my purpose.
Anyway, according to what is written in the thread above,
«
Talkingis the centre of language learning itself, where both oral and written communication are included»
… must be considered ok, since «both» is the subject of the sentence.
-
#11
It doesn’t — but language learning itself does.
You are very right, the sentence even makes sense as it is.
A lot of learners know about the words «both,» «either,» and «neither» from English grammar lessons, but do not totally understand how they are different.
To help you better understand what they mean and how they’re used, this blog post will cover how these words differ in their meaning, grammar, and levels of formality.
Differences in meaning
We use «both,» «either,» and «neither» when we talk about a set of two things.
“Both” means 2/2
We use the word «both» when there is a set of two things, and we want to refer to all of them.
For example, let’s say someone asks you if you want a cat or a dog. That is a set of two options. If you want a cat and a dog, you can use the word «both.»
Eve
Do you want a cat or a dog?
Beth
Here are some more example sentences to show you what «both» means.
Cheese and ice cream are both made of milk.
Cheese is made of milk. Ice cream is made of milk too.
Both of my parents read a lot.
My mother reads a lot. My father reads a lot too.
I like both tea and coffee.
I like tea. I like coffee too.
“Either” means 1/2
We use the word «either» when there is a set of two things, and we want to refer to any one of them. For example, if you want «either» a cat or a dog, you want a cat or you want a dog. Any option is fine.
Drew
Do you want a cat or a dog?
Max
Either. I like them equally.
Here are some more examples.
She wants to learn either French or Spanish.
She has two options (French and Spanish). She will pick one.
Either he doesn’t know or he doesn’t care.
There are two possibilities («he doesn’t know» and «he doesn’t care»). One of them is correct.
“Neither” means 0/2
We use the word «neither» when there is a set of two things and we do not want to refer to either of those things. You can think of «neither» as «not either» or «not one or the other.»
So if you do not want either a cat or a dog, you can say that you want «neither.»
Dave
Do you want a cat or a dog?
Rose
Here are some pictures to help you understand what «neither» means compared to «either.»
Either
Neither
Here are some example sentences.
Neither of my parents watches TV.
My mother does not watch TV. My father also does not watch TV.
I neither smoke nor drink.
I do not smoke. I also do not drink.
“Either” can sometimes be replaced with “both”
Sometimes, «either» can be replaced with «both.» For example, if someone asks you, «Do you want tea or coffee?» and you do not mind which one they give you, you could reply:
- «Either is fine.»
- «Both are fine.»
Both responses mean the same thing. Native English speakers just have different pictures in their mind when they say them.
«Both are fine.»
«Either is fine.»
For example, here are some sentences that mean the same thing.
| Both | Either |
| There are good restaurants on both sides of the street. | There are good restaurants on either side of the street. |
| «Hello» and «Hi» mean the same thing. You can use either of them in conversation. | «Hello» and «Hi» mean the same thing. You can use both of them in conversation. |
However, «either» and «both» are not interchangeable when «either» refers specifically to only one of two things. For example, let’s say there are two people: Raj and Ann. Only Ann speaks Japanese. If you asked them:
- «Do either of you speak Japanese?», the answer would be «yes,» because one of them (Ann) speaks it.
- «Do both of you speak Japanese?», the answer would be «no,» because only one of them speaks it — not both.
Differences in grammar
«Both … and,» «either … or,» «neither … nor»
The words «both,» «neither,» and «either» are used with different conjunctions.
- I want both a dog and a cat.
- I want either a dog or a cat.
- I want neither a dog nor a cat.
In particular, pay attention to «neither … nor.» While you will hear native English speakers use «neither … or,» keep in mind that it is used in informal situations. In formal writing, it is better to use «neither» with «nor.»
“Both” is normally used with positive verbs
If you want to say «both … not,» use «neither» instead.
I have two pets and neither of them are snakes.
Both of my pets are not snakes.
Neither of my children look like me.
Both of my children do not look like me.
If you want to say «not … both,» say «not … either» instead.
I was invited to two parties, but could not go to either of them.
I was invited to two parties, but could not go to both of them.
“Either” and “neither” are used with singular nouns
The noun that follows «both» is always plural. However, the noun that comes after «either» and «neither» is singular.
For example, below are some possible responses to «Are you free to meet Monday or Tuesday?» Notice that the noun «day» is plural after «both» but singular after «either» and «neither.»
| Both | Either and Neither |
| Both days work for me. | Either day works for me. Neither day works for me. |
However, remember that when you use «either of» or «neither of,» the noun is plural. That is because you are referring to the set of things and not just one member of the set.
- Either of those days works for me.
- Neither of those days works for me.
“Either” and “neither” are used with singular verbs in formal writing
In real life, native English speakers often use «either» and «neither» with both singular and plural verbs. For example, all of the sentences in the following chart sound natural, and most people will not notice whether you used the singular or plural verb.
| «Neither of» + singular verb | «Neither of» + plural verb |
| I have two cats and neither of them likes me. | I have two cats and neither of them like me. |
| Does either of you speak Spanish? | Do either of you speak Spanish? |
However, when you are taking an English test or writing something formal (e.g. an academic paper), remember to use «neither of» and «either of» with singular verbs. This is considered more proper and correct.
Differences in formality
«Neither … nor» can sound formal
Unlike «both … and» and «either … or,» «neither … nor» can sound formal. This is why you will rarely hear native English speakers using it in conversation.
Here are some ways to rephrase «neither … nor» sentences so they sound more relaxed and informal.
| Formal | Informal |
| His shirt was neither black nor white. | His shirt wasn’t black or white. |
| I want neither a cat nor a dog. | I don’t want either a cat or a dog. |
| Neither Jake nor Jess speak Spanish. | Jake doesn’t speak Spanish and Jess doesn’t either. Jake doesn’t speak Spanish and neither does Jess. |
Your turn
Below are some sentences that can use «both,» «either,» or «neither.» Try to fill in the blanks with the right word. To help you out, here’s a chart that summarizes the differences.
| Both | 2/2 | I want both a cat and a dog. |
| Either | 1/2 | I want either a cat or a dog. |
| Neither | 0/2 | I want neither a cat nor a dog. |
- This novel is _____ interesting and easy to read.
- I hope ____ of you pass the exam.
- Does _____ of them know about the new changes?
- I have not met _____ of my neighbors.
- I _____ like nor hate cats.
For more practice, book a lesson with a professional English tutor using our grammar lessons on «neither,» «either» and «both.» Learn more about us here.
-
September 25th, 2007, 10:21 AM #1
Both — plural or singular?
Which one is correct:
1. If both the dealer and the player ha
s очко then dealer wins.
2. If both the dealer and the player ha
ve очко then dealer wins.
Send me a PM if you need me.
-
September 25th, 2007, 11:09 AM #2
Подающий надежды оратор
- Rep Power
- 11
Я склоняюсь к первому варианту.
Хотя, второй тоже не плох…
-
September 25th, 2007, 11:55 AM #3
Почтенный гражданин
- Rep Power
- 11
Re: Both — plural or singular?
Originally Posted by Ramil Which one is correct:
1. If both the dealer and the player ha
s очко then dealer wins.
2. If both the dealer and the player ha
ve очко then dealer wins.
2 Is correct as its present tense.
However, plenty of English speakers will use the past tense in your first example (1) and get away with it, so it depends how accurate you want to be.
More madness than method but it works for me.
-
September 25th, 2007, 12:01 PM #4
Re: Both — plural or singular?
Originally Posted by Ezri Originally Posted by Ramil Which one is correct:
1. If both the dealer and the player ha
s очко then dealer wins.
2. If both the dealer and the player ha
ve очко then dealer wins.
2 Is correct as its present tense.
However, plenty of English speakers will use the past tense in your first example (1) and get away with it, so it depends how accurate you want to be.
I see — every time I don’t know the difference I should use the past tense
Just joking. Actually I was asking in general — when I use the word ‘both’ should I use plural or singular afterwards?1 variant : Both {1} and {2} have (because there are two of them)
I think this one is correct but maybe in English I should use2 variant : Both {1} and {2} has (because ‘has’ relates to ‘both’, not to the {1} or {2})
Send me a PM if you need me.
-
September 25th, 2007, 02:55 PM #5
Почтенный гражданин
- Rep Power
- 12
Re: Both — plural or singular?
Originally Posted by Ramil 1 variant : Both {1} and {2} have (because there are two of them)
I think this one is correctYou’re absolutely right, Ramil.
BTW, «both» is plural as well, so the second variant can never be correct.
F.ex.:I met Annie and Laurie. Both were (pl.!) wearing the same red dress.
Ой, голова у меня кружится |-P …… and my brain hurts too….
-
September 25th, 2007, 03:50 PM #6
Re: Both — plural or singular?
Originally Posted by BabaYaga BTW, «both» is plural as well, so the second variant can never be correct.
ty
Send me a PM if you need me.
-
September 25th, 2007, 04:29 PM #7
Tie?
«И всё, что сейчас происходит внутре — тоже является частью вселенной».
-
September 25th, 2007, 04:29 PM #8
Почтенный гражданин
- Rep Power
- 11
Plural.
And, if anybody says «had», it’s only because they are thinking «conditional» because of «if». It doesn’t mean past tense.
«Сейчас без языка нельзя… из тебя шапку сделают…»
Cogito Ergo Doleo
-
September 25th, 2007, 04:33 PM #9
Originally Posted by Rtyom Tie?
I was pretty sure that I did type ‘ty’.
Send me a PM if you need me.
-
September 25th, 2007, 05:48 PM #10
Завсегдатай
- Rep Power
- 14
Originally Posted by Xkalibur Я склоняюсь к первому варианту.
Хотя, второй тоже неплох…If you have problems with both posting new messages and sending PMs, you can send an e-mail to the Forum Administrator here:
http://masterrussian.net/sendmessage.php
У меня что-то с почтой, на ЛС ответить не могу. (
-
September 25th, 2007, 10:50 PM #11
Подающий надежды оратор
- Rep Power
- 11
Isn’t the word «Ti» the informal way of saying «you» in Russian??
Feel free to go anywhere you like but remember, your NEVER alone…..
-
September 26th, 2007, 12:58 AM #12
«both» is plural: both are, both have. but when you have intervening words or phrases, sometimes the speaker forgets and just uses the verb form that matches the closest noun.
-
September 26th, 2007, 01:02 AM #13
Originally Posted by Ramil Originally Posted by Rtyom Tie?
I was pretty sure that I did type ‘ty’.
«…Важно, чтобы форум оставался местом, объединяющим людей, для которых интересны русский язык и культура. …» — MasterАdmin (из переписки)
-
September 26th, 2007, 06:16 AM #14
Originally Posted by Lampada Originally Posted by Ramil Originally Posted by Rtyom Tie?
I was pretty sure that I did type ‘ty’.
Это ты редактировала моё сообщение?
Send me a PM if you need me.
-
September 26th, 2007, 01:44 PM #15
Старший оракул
- Rep Power
- 12
Originally Posted by Ramil Originally Posted by Lampada Originally Posted by Ramil Originally Posted by Rtyom Tie?
I was pretty sure that I did type ‘ty’.
Это ты редактировала моё сообщение?
Вот тебе и цензура в Интернете, которую хотят ввести в Европе
Please correct my mistakes if you can, especially article usage.
My avatar shall be the author I’m currently reading.
-
September 26th, 2007, 02:47 PM #16
Originally Posted by Ramil Originally Posted by Lampada Originally Posted by Ramil Originally Posted by Rtyom Tie?
I was pretty sure that I did type ‘ty’.
Это ты редактировала моё сообщение?
Хотела, как лучше. Ладно, больше не буду.
«…Важно, чтобы форум оставался местом, объединяющим людей, для которых интересны русский язык и культура. …» — MasterАdmin (из переписки)
-
September 26th, 2007, 04:49 PM #17
На всякий случай: ty = thank you
Send me a PM if you need me.
-
September 27th, 2007, 06:03 AM #18
Почтенный гражданин
- Rep Power
- 12
Originally Posted by Ramil На всякий случай: ty = thank you
Aw Ramil, don’t mind them — they’re just teasing
. I understood you perfectly — and you’re very welcome. Ой, голова у меня кружится |-P …… and my brain hurts too….
-
September 28th, 2007, 04:32 AM #19
Re: Both — plural or singular?
Originally Posted by Ramil Which one is correct:
1. If both the dealer and the player ha
s очко then dealer wins.
2. If both the dealer and the player ha
ve очко then dealer wins.
I don’t think either one is correct… I really don’t think очко is an English word…
Hei, rett norsken min og du er død.
I am a notourriouse misspeller. Be easy on me.
Пожалуйста! Исправляйте мои глупые ошибки (но оставьте умные)!
Yo hablo español mejor que tú.
Trusnse kal’rt eturule sikay!!!))
-
September 28th, 2007, 06:04 AM #20
Re: Both — plural or singular?
Originally Posted by kalinka_vinnie Originally Posted by Ramil Which one is correct:
1. If both the dealer and the player ha
s очко then dealer wins.
2. If both the dealer and the player ha
ve очко then dealer wins.
I don’t think either one is correct… I really don’t think очко is an English word…
You noticed? Very clever
Send me a PM if you need me.
Хотя, второй тоже не плох…
Originally Posted by Ramil 
I see — every time I don’t know the difference I should use the past tense 
