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How does one reflect the difference in meaning between 'I gave one to both of you' meaning you gave one to each of them, and 'I gave one to both of you' meaning you gave one item for the two to share?

When, if ever, is the term 'the both of you' relevant?

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    if you gave one to each you would say "i gave one to each of you"
    – msam
    Commented Mar 26, 2014 at 7:11
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    You might also say 'I gave one to both of you'. Many people do.
    – WS2
    Commented Mar 26, 2014 at 7:19
  • you're right, and can also be extended to "to all of you". additionally, there seems to be an interesting shift
    – msam
    Commented Mar 26, 2014 at 7:25
  • I gave one each to both of you.
    – Blessed Geek
    Commented Mar 26, 2014 at 8:21
  • Depends on the context. You should know that this can't be answered with any confidence without more context than you provided.
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Jan 28, 2018 at 18:58

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The correct way to say that you gave one to each person is "I gave one to each of you". Saying "I gave one to both of you" really means that one item is being shared between two people. Contextually though, if you prefer to say "both of you" it is possible to convey how many items were given through the surrounding context.

"The both of you" is a more collective expression, usually used to group two people together as one entity, often in anger. eg "There will be a scolding given to the both of you".

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  • Very well expressed.
    – WS2
    Commented Mar 26, 2014 at 8:03
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    +1 But I would say clearer rather than correct. There are times when both can unambiguously mean each. I gave a kiss to both of them and Both of you, go to your rooms!
    – bib
    Commented Mar 26, 2014 at 13:03
  • A valid point, I guess when it is something that clearly can't be split (a kiss) it would imply each. I think your second example groups them together, so does not mean each.
    – QueenSaphos
    Commented Mar 27, 2014 at 0:00
  • Please add supporting evidence for your claim 'Saying "I gave one to both of you" really means that one item is being shared between two people.' As it stands, this looks to be opinion rather than accepted usage.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Mar 14, 2018 at 12:21
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It is actually never correct to say, "the both of you" This is colloquial, from spoken Irish and Scottish and therefore, to be correct, you should say, "the both of yous"! However, it is colloquial and should only be used in very informal speech. "Yous" is (very informal and in speech only) Scottish/Irish plural of, "you".

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    It sounds reasonably accurate to me.
    – WS2
    Commented Jan 28, 2018 at 22:30
  • Please add supporting references as already requested.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Mar 14, 2018 at 12:22
  • This blog supports the post (citing the OED), I have not been able to verify their citation though, nor have I found any other reference in support of this answer.
    – JJJ
    Commented Mar 14, 2018 at 13:09

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