between both countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "between both countries" is not considered correct in standard written English.
It is generally used to refer to a relationship or interaction involving two countries, but the word "both" is redundant when using "between." Example: "The trade agreement was established to enhance cooperation between both countries."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"A secret agreement between both countries to bring down the Interpol 'red notices' issued for five Iranians suspected of having participated in the AIMA attack in Argentina in 1994," Nisman said.

Vice

Trade between both countries was worth almost $80 billion in 2014 alone, she said.

The Washington Post

The South Korean president Park Geun-hye has spoken of "building trust, and a new relationship" between both countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2006, a memorandum of understanding was signed between both countries to upgrade this road and connect Kashgar and Abbottabad.

Yale University

Sources say that there is an agreement between both countries that talks will not be held hostage to violence.

The Guardian

Romania's absence will not go down well in Washington, given the closer security ties between both countries.

The New York Times

Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink) Only two years ago Iran turned down a US offer to open a 'hot line' between both countries to prevent incidents potentially leading to war.

The Guardian

Mutual accusations reached a level unworthy of the common history and the close personal, cultural and economic ties between both countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Such acts of sovereignty violations are detrimental to relations between both countries and are counter-productive for ongoing peace process for regional stability," Sharif said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There are differences in legislation as well as in the organization and implementation of residential care between both countries.

BMC Geriatrics

Fighting the group here would require greater cooperation between both countries - something that has been lacking - to combat their common enemy.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "both" with "between" as it's redundant. Instead, use "between the countries" or rephrase to emphasize the connection without redundancy.

Common error

Don't say "between both countries". The word "between" already implies two entities. Saying "between the countries" is more concise and grammatically sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between both countries" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a relationship or interaction. Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect due to the redundant use of "both" alongside "between", which already implies a relationship involving two entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "between both countries" appears frequently across various sources, including news and academic texts, it is considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI explains, the inclusion of "both" is redundant because "between" inherently implies a relationship involving two entities. To improve clarity and grammatical accuracy, it's recommended to use alternatives such as "between the countries", which convey the same meaning without redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between the two countries

Replaces "both" with "the two" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

among the two countries

Uses "among" instead of "between", which is suitable when emphasizing the distinctness of each country.

between the nations

Substitutes "countries" with "nations", providing a slightly more formal tone.

involving both countries

Focuses on the involvement of the countries rather than their direct relationship.

among these nations

Uses "among" to imply a distinction between individual countries.

linking the two countries

Emphasizes the connection or link established between the countries.

connecting both countries

Similar to 'linking', but highlights the act of bringing the countries together.

shared by the two countries

Indicates something that is commonly held or experienced by the countries.

concerning the two countries

Focuses on the matter or issue related to the countries.

mutually by the countries

Highlights that the interaction is reciprocal.

FAQs

What's wrong with saying "between both countries"?

The word "between" already implies that there are two entities involved. Adding "both" is unnecessary and makes the phrase redundant. It's better to say "between the countries".

How can I correctly use the phrase to describe relations between two countries?

Instead of "between both countries", use phrases like "between the two countries" or "among the two countries". These alternatives avoid redundancy and are grammatically correct.

Is there a difference between "between the countries" and "among the countries"?

"Between" is typically used when referring to a direct relationship between two specific entities. "Among" can be used when referring to multiple entities but is also grammatically correct to define a relationship among two specific entities: among the two countries.

What are some alternatives to describe something shared by two countries?

Instead of saying something is "between both countries", you could say it's "shared by the two countries" or that it "concerns the two countries" depending on the context.