不定代词指的是一个或多个不明确的物体、生物或地方。它们之所以“不定”,仅仅是因为它们没有指明它们所指的确切对象、生物或地点,包括指代部分的不定代词,如 any,anybody,anyone,either,neither,nobody,no,someone 和 some,或者指代全体的不定代词,如 every,all, both 和 each。
因为 both 指代的是两个东西,那么它跟名词无论怎么组合也不会出现数量上错乱的现象,正是因为这样,它与别的成分的搭配非常的灵活,有时甚至超过了频度副词位置的灵活性,例如:
一、both 复数名词
1、both 放在其他修饰语(the,her,my 等)之前,此时我们可以用 both 或 both of,两者的意思是一样的,例如:
她的两个孩子都会说三种语言。
Both her children can speak three languages.
Both of her children can speak three languages.
这两个提议都有各自的优点。我不知道该选哪一个。
Both the offers have their own merits. I don't know which one to choose.
Both of the offers have their own merits. I don't know which one to choose.
2、Both 也可以直接置于名词之前,例如:
Both sides call for prompt action on preventing the spread of disease.
双方呼吁迅速采取行动防止疾病传播。
二、主格或宾格代词 both:both 可以置于主宾格代词后面表强调,例如:
We both agree to disagree.
我们都同意各自保留不同的意见。
The company has come a long way and decides to promote us both.
公司已经取得了很大的进步,并决定升我们的职。
三、both of 宾格代词,例如:
Both of us are unwilling to attend his wedding.
我们俩都不愿意参加他的婚礼。
Both of you are required to be in company by 8.30.
你们两个都必须在8点30分前到公司。
此时它们常置于介词后面作宾语,例如:
The quarantine regulations weighed on both of them.
检疫规定对他们两人都有影响。
That'll be meaningful for both of you.
这对你们俩都有意义。
四、both 自己“单干”作代词,此时有明显的上下文,例如:
Applicants for this job must know how to use computers or speak English, preferably both.
申请这份工作的人必须会使用电脑或说英语,最好两者都会。
此句中的 both 指代的是上文中的 know how to use computers 和 speak English。
There are two tourist spots in this area. Both are considered popular holiday resorts.
这个地区有两个旅游景点。两者都被认为是受欢迎的度假胜地。
此句中的 both 指代的是上文中的 two tourist spots.
五、both 与其他成分,此时通常可以把它当作副词来确定位置,通常是
在主语和主动词之间,在情态动词或第一个助动词之后,或在作主动词的 be之后,例如:
They both planned to join the golf club.
他们都计划加入高尔夫俱乐部。
They had both planned to join the golf club.
他们都计划加入高尔夫俱乐部。
他们都计划加入高尔夫俱乐部。
正确:They are both planning to join the golf club.
错误:They both are planning to join the golf club.
即使 both 可以在句中不同的位置出现,但它所表示的数量都是两个,换句话说,当它或对应的短语做主语时,谓语用复数。
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