Both vs Both the ?

Question

Hi,What's the difference between the use of "both" and "both the" in a sentence? Can you please give me an example? I am often confused whether to use "the" after "both" or not. Thanks a lot!

Shaunm · Accepted Answer

Could somebody please answer the question?

Thank you so much!

RandomGuy · Answer

Both are possible.

Both Anderson and Johnson are invited to the party.
Both the Anderson family and the Johnson family are invited to the party.

Shaunm · Answer

Thank you!

Nice examples, but could you please explain me the rule?

Once again thanks.

CalifJim · Answer

shaunm I am often confused whether to use "the" after "both" or not.

The question is a little too general to give a thorough answer, but here are a few tips.

You can't end a sentence with 'both the'.

Is the cause of the cough bronchitis or pneumonia or both? (Not or both the.)
______

Watch for the pattern both the [singular] and the [singular].

both the tiger and the lion
both the first and the last
both the boy and the girl
______

Watch for the pattern both [plural]. 'the' is not usually necessary with these.

both sisters
both children
both examples
______

But note the plural with and the: both the sisters and the brothers. You wouldn't use both sisters and the brothers.
______

If the following word doesn't take 'the' when 'both' is not there, it doesn't take 'the' when 'both' is there.

John and Mary were at the restaurant at 8 o'clock. (No 'the' in front of names.)
Both John and Mary were at the restaurant at 8 o'clock. (Not 'both the John ...')

CJ

Shaunm · Answer

@Califfjim

Thank you so much for taking your valuable time to explain this to me!

I will keep this in mind in future

ohn and Mary were at the restaurant at 8 o'clock. (No 'the' in front of names.)
Both John and Mary were at the restaurant at 8 o'clock. (Not 'both the John ...')

Shaunm · Answer

Hi,

Why an apostrophe is not used in the 2nd sentence?

Like
Both the Anderson's family and the Johnson's family are invited to the party.

Thanks,

AlpheccaStars · Answer

shaunmHi,Why an apostrophe is not used in the 2nd sentence?LikeBoth the Anderson's family and the Johnson's family are invited to the party. Thanks,

The Anderson family is correct. An apostrophe can be used, but is not necessary.

The Anderson family is proud to announce the engagement of our daughter, Mary.
The Anderson family invites you to the reception.

RandomGuy · Answer

shaunmWhy an apostrophe is not used in the 2nd sentence?
Like
Both the Anderson's family and the Johnson's family are invited to the party.

Anderson and Johnson are used as adjectives, which do not use apostrophes. Anderson is the last name of the family members. Another way of writing the sentence is to drop family and add an s to Anderson.

The Andersons are invited. (There is no apostrophe here, either. Andersons is plural, representing a family)

If Johnson were the name of a single person, you would use an apostrophe to show that he belonged to a family.

Johnson's family is invited.

Shaunm · Answer

Thanks AS

And when it comes to apostrophe I just wanted ask if we could like the following.

I read it somewhere very long ago, that we can use apostrophe if it's a living thing

like: dog's tail, monkey's food. And when it comes to some objects it's wrong to say like ' window's doors' but 'doors of the window'

But I never see the second one with 'of' being used in a sentence nowadays. Why is it so?

They say: Iphones battery, window doors, gun barrels

I know it might be silly, but could you please explain it to me?

Thanks

Shaunm · Answer

@ Aspura Gus

It was really smart and informative. Thanks again

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