Friedberg_Nila-2021

D E C O D I N G T H E 2 0 S 4 9 0 When we discuss a choice between two things, the usage of оба / обе is restricted. The word оба / обе should be avoided in the context of discussing a choice between two abstract or uncountable nouns, or between verbs (actions); in this situation, и то и другое should be used instead. Uncountable nouns (d) Ты будешь чай или сок? И то и другое. / Оба. Will you have tea or juice? – Both. Abstract nouns (e) Что важнее – дисциплина или свобода? И то и другое. / Обе. What is more important, discipline or freedom? – Both (are important). Two verbs (i.e., two actions) (f ) Ты будешь танцевать или петь? И то и другое. / Оба. Will you dance or sing? – Both. When discussing a choice between two identical and countable inanimate nouns with distinct modifiers, both оба / обе and и то и другое can be used. The repetition of two nouns does not have to be overt; it can be implied, as indicated below by square brackets: Two inanimate countable nouns + repetition (g) Тебе что положить, куриную котлету или говяжью [котлету]? И то и другое. / Обе. What should I give you– a chicken patty or a beef one? – Both.