between the two of

USAGE SUMMARY

"between the two of" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that involves or affects two people or things. Example: "Between the two of us, we finished the project in record time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This is between the two of us.

The New York Times

This can widen the gap between the two of you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was a little tension between the two of us.

The New York Times

It's special time between the two of you".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The bond between the two of them was touching.

The New Yorker

Hopefully, it will be between the two of us".

The New York Times - Sports

My job was to negotiate between the two of them.

The Guardian - Film

"Between the two of us, someone's going in every day".

The New York Times

"There's a chemistry between the two of us".

The New York Times - Sports

I see nothing in common between the two of them".

The New York Times - Sports

"Hillary and Obama, it's between the two of them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "between the two of" when you are referring to a relationship, comparison, or distinction that exists solely between two specific entities. Ensure that the context clearly identifies these two entities.

Common error

Avoid using "between the two of" when more than two entities are involved. In situations with three or more entities, the correct preposition to use is "among". For example, say "The decision was divided among the three of us" instead of "between the three of us".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between the two of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It introduces a relationship, comparison, or distinction that exists solely between two entities. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate various contexts where this phrase is used to connect two specific subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "between the two of" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate a relationship, comparison, or distinction limited to two specific entities. It is versatile, appearing in news, media, and informal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-established in English usage. It's important to use "between" for only two entities; otherwise, "among" is more appropriate. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, making it suitable for general conversation and formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared by both

This focuses on the commonality rather than the relational aspect.

involving both

Highlights the act of inclusion rather than separation.

among the pair

Emphasizes a selection or action from a duo.

divided between them

Focuses on the separation or allocation between two entities.

applicable to both

Stresses the relevance of something for two entities.

common to both

Focuses on shared attributes rather than relational dynamics.

relating to both

Emphasizes the relevance to two entities without indicating a division.

linking the two

Highlights the connection rather than the distinction.

connecting them both

Underscores the act of joining two separate items.

in relation to both

Focuses on comparative perspective of two items.

FAQs

How can I use "between the two of" in a sentence?

Use "between the two of" to indicate something shared, divided, or related to two specific entities. For example, "There's a strong bond "between the two of" them" or "The decision is "between the two of" us".

What does "between the two of" mean?

The phrase "between the two of" means something is shared, connected, or exists only involving two specific people or things. It emphasizes a direct relationship or comparison limited to those two entities.

What can I say instead of "between the two of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "shared by both", "involving both", or "common to both". The best alternative depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "between the two of them"?

Yes, "between the two of them" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates a relationship, distinction, or sharing limited to those two specific individuals or entities.