Sometimes, 'Both' Must Go

“The hospital provides a supportive work environment for both doctors and nurses.”

That “both” is, technically, just fine. But when “both” is immediately followed by a plural noun, it could momentarily be construed to be modifying that noun only. Someone looking at the phrase “both doctors and nurses” might first read it as “both doctors” and wonder which two doctors you’re talking about.

Here's more on why editors often chop out "both."

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