用both 還是both the

both/ both the

【问】 She never thought of it a gain , but ten months later , she received a letter from a girl
in Holland. Both girls write to each other regularly now .( New Concept English ,
Book 2 , L .22 )

Both girls 是指She ( Jane ) 和a girl in Holland。既然是特指, 为什么不用both the
girls ?

【答】 如有的语言学家所指出的那样, Both is intrinsically definite . . .even when it is not
followed by the definite article .( both 在本质上是有定的, 即使它后面没有定冠词时, 也
是如此) 。因此, 上句中的Both girls = Both the girls。类例:

1. Both eyes were closed .( CGEL) 闭上了两只眼睛。
2. Both ( the) students were excellent .(CGEL) 这两个学生都很优秀。

而two 与both 不同, 在表示特指时必须加定冠词:

1. T he two stud ents wer e ex cel lent .( CGEL) 这两个学生都很优秀。
2. T he two boys were carrying a large box . 两个男孩正抬着一个大盒子。

趙振才，《英语常见问题解答大词典》