How to use the words Both and Each?



There are times when it is important to use “each” instead of “both.”


Few people will be confused if you say “I gave both of the boys a baseball glove,” meaning “I gave both of the boys baseball gloves” because it is unlikely that two boys would be expected to share one glove; but you risk confusion if you say “I gave both of the boys $50.”


It is possible to construe this sentence as meaning that the boys shared the same $50 gift.


“I gave each of the boys $50” is clearer.