All and Both: Word Order
Learn how to correctly position 'all' and 'both' with nouns and pronouns.
- check_circleI can correctly use 'all' and 'both' with nouns and pronouns.
- check_circleI know where to place 'all' and 'both' in a sentence.
Discover
Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.
Liam: Have you seen Sarah and Mike recently?
Emma: Yes! We both went to the new café yesterday. It was great.
Liam: Nice! Did all of you try their famous chocolate cake?
Emma: We wanted to, but they were sold out. So both of them ordered cheesecake, and I had a brownie. It’s funny because they both have exactly the same taste in desserts.
Liam: That is funny. Are you going out with them again this weekend?
Emma: Yes, the whole group is getting together. All of us are going to the cinema on Saturday night.
Liam: Sounds fun! I hope you all have a fantastic time. By the way, how was the brownie?
Emma: It was delicious. You should definitely try it next time you go!
Learn
Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.
When we talk about the total number of people or things, we use all (for three or more) and both (for exactly two). The tricky part is knowing exactly where to put them in a sentence!
With Nouns
When using all and both with nouns (like friends, books, parents), place them directly before the noun. You can also use of the or of my/your/his before the noun.
- Both my parents are from Italy. (or: Both of my parents…)
- I read all the books you recommended. (or: All of the books…)
With Pronouns
If you use pronouns (like us, them, you), the word order changes. You can put all/both after a subject pronoun, or use all of / both of before an object pronoun.
Subject pronouns: we both, they all, you both. Object pronouns: both of us, all of them, all of you.
- We both love playing tennis.
- The teacher invited all of us to the party.
- Are you all coming to the meeting?
- I have two sisters, and I love both of them.
Word Order with Verbs
When placing all or both in the middle of a sentence with a subject pronoun (like they all), remember this rule: they go after the verb “to be” or auxiliary verbs, but before main verbs.
- After “to be”: They are both tall.
- Before main verbs: We all agree.
- After auxiliaries: You have all done a great job.
Common Mistakes
In Spanish, it’s common to say “los dos” or “todos nosotros”. In English, be careful not to say “the two” instead of “both”.
The two like pizza. ➔ We both like pizza. (or: Both of us like pizza.)
- With nouns: both/all + (of the/my) + noun (both my parents, all the students)
- Subject pronouns: pronoun + both/all (we both, they all)
- Object pronouns: both/all of + pronoun (both of us, all of them)
- Verbs: before main verbs (we all go), after “to be” (they are both)
Practice
Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.
Use It
Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.
Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?