grammar - Can I precede a noun with more than one determiner?


Is there a rule that a noun would take only one determiner at most?


For example, according to “Determiner” at EnglishLanguageGuide.com, both both and the are determiners. Can I write an expression like the both cats? Or do I have to use it in either the cats or both cats forms only?


Is this usage correct?



I saw two cats this morning. The both cats were very young.




Answer



Yes, more than one determiner can precede a noun, but they do so in a particular order. All, both and half come before articles, so your example would have to read I saw two cats this morning. Both the cats were very young (but in this case the can be omitted).


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