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Master confusing words with ease

Both vs. Both of

Both

/bəʊθ/

Referring to two items or people as a pair or together

Examples:

Both books are mine.We both like pizza.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Both of

/bɔːθ əv/

Refers to two items or people together or collectively.

Examples:

Synonyms:

This word has no synonyms

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

Both is used on its own without the need for additional words, while both of is followed by a determiner such as the, these, or those.
Use both when you are referring to two people, items, or situations directly.
Both of is more commonly used before pronouns like us, them, and you.
If you are unsure, check if a determiner or pronoun follows; if it does, both of might be the right choice.
In some contexts, omitting of can sound more formal or concise.

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