grammar · neutral
both ... and ...
Used to link two equally important elements (both A and B).
Examples
“Both young people and older citizens supported the new policy.”
“Both studying and practical experience help you get a good job.”
“Both my parents and my teachers encouraged me to apply.”
Band 8 sentence
“Both economic growth and environmental protection must be prioritised if societies are to achieve sustainable development.”
Collocations
- both A and B + plural noun
- both + pronoun + verb
Common mistakes
Both my sister and brother is happy.→Both my sister and brother are happy.
Both of my parents and teachers agree.→Both my parents and teachers agree.
I like both coffee and also tea.→I like both coffee and tea.
Say it for a higher band
5and→6both ... and→7+both ... and ...
Synonyms
not only ... but also ...
Easily confused
not only ... but also ...
“Not only is she intelligent but she is also very hardworking.”
Related words
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In Tenses
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