Distributives are words we use to describe how a group of people or things are divided or shared out. Some of the most common distributives in English are both, either, and neither. We use them to refer only to two things or people.
Both
Rule 1: We use both before plural nouns in the meaning of all in reference to two things.
Rule 2: We can use both and both of before plural nouns with determiners (the, a/an, that, etc.), but we must use both of before object pronouns (us, them, etc.).
Rule 3: We can use both after a subject pronoun to emphasize even more that we are referring to two things or people. In this case, the word both comes after an auxiliary verb or the verb be but before other verbs.
Both ... and
Rule 4: We use the construction both … and to connect two things. It's best to ensure that these things are of the same grammatical type so that the sentence sounds balanced.
Note: Distributive both does not have a negative meaning.
Quiz
1/4Choose the correct answer. I try to eat ___ (vegan, gluten-free).