'both' or 'both the'

[musicgold]

Hi,

I read the following sentence in the media. I don’t understand why there is no ‘the’ before ‘sides of the border’ . We are talking about all the sides a border can have. Please comment.

Also what rule shoud be used to decide whether to use 'both' or 'both the'?

'Most of the U.S. stores (of Blockbuster) are large superstores, much like those operated by rival Best Buy Co. Inc. on both sides of the border.'

Thanks,

MG.

 

[engee30]

Hi,

I read the following sentence in the media. I don’t understand why there is no ‘the’ before ‘sides of the border’ . We are talking about all the sides a border can have. Please comment.

Also what rule shoud be used to decide whether to use 'both' or 'both the'?

'Most of the U.S. stores (of Blockbuster) are large superstores, much like those operated by rival Best Buy Co. Inc. on both sides of the border.'

Thanks,

MG.

There is no difference between using the and not using it:

Both sides of the border = Both the sides of the border = Both of the sides of the border

 

[musicgold]

Thanks a lot.