Both or Boths – Which is Correct?
Have you ever found yourself in a conundrum, unsure of whether to use “both” or “boths” in a sentence? If the answer is yes, fear not! I am here to shed some light on this language dilemma and help you navigate your way through the murky waters of English grammar.
Before we learn the nitty-gritty, let’s take a step back and understand the basic definition of “both.” “Both” is a pronoun that refers to two things, people, or groups of people. It is used to emphasize that two individuals or entities are involved in a particular action or characteristic. For example, “Both Sarah and John enjoy playing tennis” emphasizes the shared interest in this sport by both individuals.
Now, on to the burning question – is “boths” even a word? Unfortunately, the answer is no. “Boths” is not a proper word in the English language, and using it to express the same concept as “both” would be grammatically incorrect. Therefore, it is essential to always remember to use “both” when referring to a pair or two individuals or groups.
To demonstrate this further, let’s look at a few examples:
1. Incorrect: “Boths of my parents are doctors.”
Correct: “Both of my parents are doctors.”
2. Incorrect: “I have twos dogs, and boths are adorable.”
Correct: “I have two dogs, and both are adorable.”
3. Incorrect: “The neighbors on boths sides of my house are friendly.”
Correct: “The neighbors on both sides of my house are friendly.”
As you can see from these examples, using “both” correctly creates clear and concise sentences that effectively convey the intended meaning. By avoiding the non-existent word “boths,” you will impress your readers or listeners with your command of the English language.
So, why is “both” the correct form, while “boths” is not? Think of “both” as a solitary word that encompasses the idea of two. Just like we don’t say “twos,” “fours,” or “fives” to refer to multiple numbers, we use “both” as a singular entity representing a pair. Using “boths” would be akin to saying “twos” instead of the correct “twos” – it simply doesn’t fit the established patterns of the English language.
To solidify this understanding, let me ask you this: when you have two hands, do you say “I have twos hands”? Of course not! You would say, “I have two hands.” By using “both” in the same way, we maintain consistency and coherence in our language usage.
In conclusion, “both” is the correct and only option when referring to two individuals, groups, or things. “Boths” is not a valid word and should be avoided at all costs. By mastering this simple grammar rule, you will enhance your communication skills and impress others with your precise use of language. So remember, when in doubt, choose “both” instead of “boths” – you’ll never go wrong!