I took both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I took both" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to having chosen or accepted two items, options, or opportunities. Example: "When offered the chance to study abroad or take an internship, I took both."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I took both jobs.

The New Yorker

I was so nervous, I took both.

The New York Times

And I took both calls.

The New York Times

For the first time in my life I took both of them seriously.

The Guardian - Books

Today, after an investment of about $700 and 12 weeks (I took both the beginning and advanced classes), those dreams are still not much more than dreams.

The New York Times

Last week I took both children to the zoo and when someone said to my daughter's sister, 'Isn't your dad lucky having such lovely girls', none of us could be bothered to explain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

β i takes both positive and negative values.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

"I think it took both of us by surprise a little," Ms. Hunter said.

The New York Times

But would he take both the ring and the record? "Would I take both if it means us winning?

The New York Times - Sports

When I take both cut ends and hold them together, the circumference is comically, unimaginably tiny: my sister is 28 this year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She comes up to me, moving with a kind of clumsy grace, if that makes any sense, and I want to take her in my arms but can't really do that, not under these conditions, so I take both her hands and peck a neighborly kiss to her cheek.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I took both" when you want to clearly state that you have chosen or accepted two distinct options, opportunities, or items. Ensure the context makes it clear what the "both" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "I took both" without clearly establishing what the "both" refers to. Ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what two things you are talking about; otherwise, the sentence becomes ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I took both" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the speaker has chosen, accepted, or assumed responsibility for two distinct items or options. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The verb "took" implies an active decision or action on the part of the speaker.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I took both" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express that the speaker has chosen, accepted, or assumed responsibility for two things. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, with frequent occurrences in news media. To ensure clarity, always make sure that the referent of "both" is clear. Related phrases like "I accepted both" or "I chose both" can offer subtle variations in meaning. By avoiding ambiguous references and using the phrase in appropriate contexts, you can effectively communicate your decisions or actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I accepted both

Replaces "took" with "accepted", emphasizing the act of receiving or agreeing to something.

I chose both

Replaces "took" with "chose", highlighting the act of selection or preference.

I selected both

Replaces "took" with "selected", which suggests a more deliberate or careful choice.

I opted for both

Uses "opted for" instead of "took", indicating a decision or preference between alternatives.

I went with both

Uses "went with" as a more informal way of saying "chose" or "selected".

I handled both

Focuses on managing or dealing with two things, implying responsibility.

I managed both

Suggests successfully dealing with two tasks or items, often implying effort.

I assumed both

Indicates taking on two responsibilities or roles.

I bore both

Emphasizes carrying or enduring two burdens or responsibilities.

I shouldered both

Similar to "bore both", but suggests a more active and willing acceptance of responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "I took both" to indicate that you selected or accepted two distinct options or items. For example, "When offered the roles of project lead and mentor, "I took both"."

What are some alternatives to saying "I took both"?

Alternatives include "I accepted both", "I chose both", or "I selected both", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also: "I accepted both", "I chose both", "I selected both".

Is it grammatically correct to say "I took both"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English sentence structure and is widely understood. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

When is it appropriate to use "I took both" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to clearly communicate that you have actively chosen, received, or assumed responsibility for two specific things. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.