Quantifier Float

Predeterminers often move into the verb phrase. This is the case for predeterminers such as all and both. This phenomenon is termed quantifier float.

Compare the sentences All the students passed and The students all passed. In the second sentence, all still modifies students even though it no longer precedes the noun. Both can behave in exactly the same manner. Compare the sentences Both my sisters love sports and My sisters both love sports. In both cases both modifies sisters.

The term quantifier float can be used to explain the situation. The predeterminer, which normally occurs before the subject head, can move to the right of the subject or to the right of the auxiliary verb. Here are examples for the latter:

All his children have studied abroad.
His children have all studied abroad.

Both his sons have married.
His sons have both married.

Quantifier float is the term used to describe the movement of predeterminers into the verb phrase. As a result of movement, the predeterminer is placed after the determiner. However, the meaning of the phrase remains the same.