0
Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Why use "both" as a conjunction?
I understand that it is used to emphasize that the two things entities being discussed are included equally, but without "both" wouldn't the entities still be regarded as equal? To me, "both" serving this function seems redundant.
Ex.
Both specimen A and specimen B were included.
Specimen A and specimen B were included.
These two sentences amount to the same interpretation, yes?
Can you please provide me with a context in which both would actually disambiguate or clarify. I thank you in advance
Ex.
Both specimen A and specimen B were included.
Specimen A and specimen B were included.
These two sentences amount to the same interpretation, yes?
Can you please provide me with a context in which both would actually disambiguate or clarify. I thank you in advance
Top answer
Anonymous These two sentences amount to the same interpretation, yes? Yes. The reason for "both" in such cases is usually to dispel any belief that one of the two might not have been included.
- Anonymous These two sentences amount to the same interpretation, yes?
- Yes.
- The reason for "both" in such cases is usually to dispel any belief that one of the two might not have been included.
- It depends on the text that precedes.
- CJ
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
5 Answers
0
AnonymousThese two sentences amount to the same interpretation, yes?Yes. The reason for "both" in such cases is usually to dispel any belief that one of the two might not have been included. It depends on the text that precedes.
CJ
00
0
Thank you for your response; however, I'm still confused.
since 'and' is a logical connective—in this case a coordinating conjunction that joins words or word groups of the same kind and same importance—why would someone infer that the two words or word groups are not of equal importance? In other words, why would 'both' be needed to dispel the belief that one of the two might not have b
since 'and' is a logical connective—in this case a coordinating conjunction that joins words or word groups of the same kind and same importance—why would someone infer that the two words or word groups are not of equal importance? In other words, why would 'both' be needed to dispel the belief that one of the two might not have b
00
Anonymous I feel like the use of both as a conjunction is redundant.Then don't use it. It's not required.
AnonymousFor the sake of my clarity, could you please provide me with an example that would prove otherwise?I can't think of any just now, but if I do, I'll return to this thread and add it.
CJ
_______
00
Hi
I think, substantially, you a right, the word 'both' can't do anything more than emphasise. At a pinch, you might try something like this:
- There is a garage on King Street and Queen Street
- There is a garage on both King Street and Queen Street
Arguably, the first means there are two garages, one on each street; the second means there is an L-shaped garag
I think, substantially, you a right, the word 'both' can't do anything more than emphasise. At a pinch, you might try something like this:
- There is a garage on King Street and Queen Street
- There is a garage on both King Street and Queen Street
Arguably, the first means there are two garages, one on each street; the second means there is an L-shaped garag
0
Related Questions