between both of those

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "between both of those" is not considered correct in standard written English.
It is often used in informal contexts, but it can be redundant since "between" implies two items already. Example: "The choice lies between both of those options, but I prefer the first one."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Shouldn't we, through our representatives, get to choose not only between corporate jets and food safety but between both of those things and drones and another war?

The New Yorker

Instead, the devices float in the limbo between both of those things and relies wholly on a smartphone to actually make it usable.

TechCrunch

Between both of those things, doesn't that spell something even worse for the region?

Vice

And I wanted to just try to strike that balance between both of those intimate places.

Huffington Post

You want to strike the right balance between both of those things.

Huffington Post

There's also a big difference between both of those and being coerced or being taken advantage of when you're in a vulnerable position.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We wrote this album between Ireland and Detroit, and both of those places are mirror images of each other right now, and when we were writing this album, we were noticing that we couldn't get away from what was going on in the world.

Huffington Post

And even those lucky enough to have a choice, are probably only going to be able to choose between two options — and again, both of those are likely to be very expensive.

TechCrunch

On the other hand, O'Connor et al. (2002) found no associations between belief in temperature rise and policy support or expressed likelihood of engaging in voluntary GHG-reducing behaviors, but did find positive relationships between understanding of causes and both of those variables.

Environment and Behavior

"He will be disposing of both of those holdings between now and the transaction date," Matthew K. Rose, the Burlington Northern chief executive, told an employee during a conference call last week, a transcript of which was included in the regulatory filing made public on Monday.

The New York Times

Both of those often occur early in the morning, say, between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider using "between the two" or a more specific reference to avoid potential redundancy. The phrase is often used in informal contexts, but it can be seen as slightly redundant.

Common error

Avoid using unnecessary words. Instead of saying "between both of those", simplify it to "between the two" or specify the items being discussed to make your writing more concise and professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between both of those" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to indicate a relationship, choice, or distinction involving two specific items previously mentioned. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is often used but considered grammatically questionable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

21%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "between both of those" is used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, it is often considered redundant. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically questionable phrase due to the unnecessary use of "both". For clearer and more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "between the two" or explicitly naming the items being referred to. Although common in speech, formal documents benefit from alternatives that enhance precision and avoid potential ambiguity. The authoritative sources indicate its presence in reputable publications, but the usage patterns suggest that more concise alternatives are preferable for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between the two

More concise and grammatically standard alternative using "the two" instead of "both of those".

of the two

A shorter, more direct way to indicate a choice or relationship involving two items.

between those options

Replaces "both of those" with "those options" to clarify the reference.

among those two

Uses "among" which is typically for more than two, slightly alters the meaning but retains the focus on a selection.

when choosing between these

Highlights the decision-making process involving a selection from two options.

between the aforementioned

More formal, replacing "both of those" with a general reference to previously mentioned items.

considering those two

Emphasizes the act of taking two specific items into account.

when comparing those two

Focuses on the comparison aspect, clarifying that two items are being contrasted.

the relationship between them

Shifts focus to the relationship that exists instead of the items themselves.

in relation to those two

More formal and emphasizes the comparative aspect regarding two items or entities.

FAQs

Is "between both of those" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, the phrase "between both of those" can be considered redundant. "Between" already implies two items, so using "both" is unnecessary. Consider using "between the two" or specifying what "those" refers to.

What are some alternatives to "between both of those"?

You can use phrases like "between the two", "of the two", or specify the items being compared. For example, "between the options" or "between the choices".

When is it appropriate to use "between both of those"?

This phrase is more acceptable in informal speech or writing. In formal contexts, it's better to opt for more concise and grammatically precise alternatives such as "between the two".

What's the difference between "between both of those" and "among those"?

"Between" is used when referring to two items, while "among" is used for three or more. Using "between both of those" when only two items are involved can be redundant, but using "among" when only two items are involved is grammatically incorrect; instead consider "between the two".