How to: “both” or “both”, “both”, “wallpaper” or “obi”?

To figure out which word to use: “both” or “both,” you need to find out which part of the speech it refers to and which rules it obeys.

Varieties of numbers

As you know, there are two varieties of numerals: quantitative and ordinal. In turn, these groups are also subdivided. In particular, quantitative are divided into numerals, denoting integers, fractional and collective. Going deep into the problem, which word - “both” or “both” - should be used in one context or another, we should elaborate on one of the mentioned groups. These will be collective numerals. The word “both” with all their word forms refers to them.

Collective numerals are not for documents and orders!

Scientists call this group the semantic variety of quantitative numbers, which is mainly used in colloquial speech. Indeed, it is unlikely that the words “both” or “both” can be found in the document, and if such an incident does occur, it will immediately fall into the “You can’t imagine it!” Section or "Pearls of leaders." It is enough to imagine a similar document: “Petrov A.V. and Sidorov V.G. were repeatedly warned that smoking was strictly prohibited on the territory of the plant, but they continued to neglect safety rules. Therefore, an official decision was made: to punish both of them with a fine of 1,000 rubles. ” It will also look ridiculous, for example, to collect a tent, in which the compiler will use the words “both” or “both”: “The kit includes two plastic spacers. Both of them must be inserted into special grooves, having been placed crosswise relative to each other. ” Although at the present time such documents are not so rare. Unfortunately, the literacy of modern young people is falling, and very rapidly. Therefore, even with instructions with the expression “their wallpaper needs to be inserted into the grooves” or “their obi must be entered” it is quite real today to stumble. It is regrettable, but it should be recognized that many people do not know, you need to write: “both” or “obi”, and in which case the word “wallpaper” is used.

The difference between the word "both" from all other collective numbers

Some scholars are inclined to refer this word to demonstrative pronouns. And debates around him are still ongoing. And this happens because, unlike all other collective numerals, it varies by gender and can be combined not only with animate nouns, but also with all others. For instance:

1. The vegetation on both banks of the river was lush - the noun “banks” of the inanimate, masculine, therefore “both” is also masculine.
2. Both girls were dressed in beautiful bright dresses - the noun "girls" animate, feminine, so the word "both" is used in the form of a feminine.

The declination of the collective number "both"

All words for communication in the sentence are changed by case. The collective numeral "both" is also inclined, and in three versions, respectively, according to the gender of the noun with which it is used. However, the change in the cases in the middle gender completely coincides with the forms of the masculine, so this option should not be focused on. This collective numeral is inclined in the same way as the full adjective of the soft variant in the plural. It should also be remembered that the basis in the masculine gender will be both, and in the female, both.

I. p. - both (m. R.), both (f. R.).

R. p. - both (m. R.), both (f. R.).

D. p. - both (m. R.), both (f. R.).

V. p. - both (m. R.), both (f. R.).

T. p. - both (m. R.), both (f. R.).

P. p. - both (m. R.), both (f. R.).

The most common mistakes in using the word forms of the collective numeral “both”

1. Quite often, people say instead of the word “both” the sounding “wallpaper” is similar. However, it should be understood that these are completely different concepts. After all, “wallpaper” is trellis that is glued to the walls, coating material. And this word is in no way connected with a numeral denoting a pair of something. And the expression "Wallpaper cheerfully smiled at each other and showed tongues!" cartoonists portray a funny picture.
   
2. Using the masculine form of the collective numeral “both” with respect to the feminine noun and vice versa, for example: “Fishermen of all ages are located on both banks of the rivulet”. Naturally, you need to say and write like this: "Fishermen of all ages are located on both banks of the rivulet." However, if the noun to which the collective numeral belongs is feminine, then the corresponding form will need to be used. For example, it will be about the parties. This noun refers to the feminine gender. How is it right to say: “on both sides” or “on both sides”? In this case, the feminine option is selected. That is, it will be appropriate to use the phrase "on both sides." For example: "The drawers of the chest of drawers were covered with washable wallpaper on both sides."
3. Along with the confusion in the use of the expressions “on both sides” or “on both sides”, some are tormented by the question of whether there is a collective numeral “obi”. The answer is unequivocal: this word has no such form, and never has been!