I guess both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I guess both" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are uncertain but believe that two options or ideas are both valid or applicable. Example: "When asked if I preferred coffee or tea, I replied, 'I guess both, depending on my mood.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I guess both help people.

Nature

I guess both sides are very disappointed".

The Guardian - Arts

I guess both teams did stupid things, but mostly them.

The New York Times

I guess both of you would take on the sailing team?

The Guardian - Sport

But the reality is that the business leaders intervening in our economic debate are, for the most part, either predatory or hopelessly confused (or, I guess, both).

The New York Times

"I guess both Steve [Reich] and Phil [Glass] were coming out of African rhythms and Indian music — but we had stuff right here, down home here in the ol' U.S.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I'd guess both Groupon and LivingSocial have more time than they feel like they have in most markets.

TechCrunch

I guess we both liked to know the irrelevant information.

The New Yorker

I guess they both weren't too interested".

The New York Times

"I guess we both had something today," Gajdosova, 24, said of Razzano.

The New York Times - Sports

I guess we both agree that that is not a good result.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I guess both" when acknowledging that two different possibilities or viewpoints might simultaneously be true or valid. It indicates a degree of uncertainty or acceptance of multiple options.

Common error

Avoid relying on "I guess both" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your statements sound hesitant or lacking in conviction. Opt for stronger, more definitive phrasing when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I guess both" functions as a qualifier expressing uncertainty or tentative acceptance of two stated or implied options. It acknowledges that multiple possibilities are potentially valid. Ludwig examples showcase this across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I guess both" is a commonly used expression to convey acceptance of two possibilities with a touch of uncertainty. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is found across various contexts, notably in news and media, as well as science. When writing, it's valuable for its ability to acknowledge different viewpoints without fully committing to one. However, be mindful not to overuse it, and consider alternatives like "I suppose both" or "I'd say both" for stronger, more confident statements. The examples provided illustrate the versatility and appropriate usage of the phrase in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I suppose both

Replaces "guess" with "suppose", indicating a slightly more formal tone but retaining the same meaning.

I imagine both

Substitutes "guess" with "imagine", suggesting a speculative acceptance of both options.

I presume both

Replaces "guess" with "presume", indicating a slightly stronger assumption.

I'd say both

Uses "I'd say" instead of "I guess", offering a more direct but still tentative affirmation of both.

I reckon both

Substitutes "guess" with "reckon", adding an informal or colloquial feel.

I believe both

Replaces "guess" with "believe", expressing a stronger conviction about both options.

I gather both

Uses "gather" instead of "guess", indicating that the conclusion is based on available information.

I understand both

Replaces "guess" with "understand", emphasizing comprehension or acceptance of both.

I infer both

Substitutes "guess" with "infer", suggesting a conclusion drawn from reasoning.

I conclude both

Replaces "guess" with "conclude", indicating a firm decision or acceptance of both options.

FAQs

How can I use "I guess both" in a sentence?

You can use "I guess both" to express uncertainty or acceptance of two options. For example, "Are you going to the party or staying home?" "I guess both depending on how I feel later".

What can I say instead of "I guess both"?

You can use alternatives like "I suppose both", "I imagine both", or "I'd say both" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I guess both"?

It is appropriate to use "I guess both" when you are unsure but willing to accept two different possibilities or outcomes. It's suitable for informal conversation or situations where precision is not critical.

What is the difference between "I guess both" and "I think both"?

"I guess both" implies more uncertainty than "I think both". "I think both" suggests a stronger level of conviction while still acknowledging that there are two valid options.