both about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when two things have something in common and are linked. For example: "The two books were both about love and relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They were both about 14.

The Guardian - Books

What he and Dottie (3) are both about is family.

The Guardian - Film

So maybe both Usherwood and Gilligan were both about right and both about wrong, depending on the counting criteria and time of day.

The Guardian

We have information both about safety and about horsepower".

The New York Times - Tech

Kartalopoulos asked them both about Gorey.

The New Yorker

"They're both about the same".

The New York Times

"After all, they are both about image".

The New York Times - Style

"They are both about change," she said.

The New York Times

"They're both about levels of intimacy".

The New York Times - Style

But they are both about a better quality of life.

The Guardian - Arts

He said it both about the plant, and himself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both about" to clearly indicate that two subjects share a common theme, purpose, or characteristic. Ensure the context makes the connection explicit for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "both about" when referring to more than two subjects. The phrase is specifically designed to highlight a connection between two entities. For more than two, consider using phrases like "all about" or "they are all related to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both about" functions as a linking phrase, indicating a shared attribute, theme, or focus between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its role in establishing connections. This phrase can introduce a common topic or purpose that unites two distinct entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for indicating a shared attribute between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to establish connections and provide context. While versatile, it should be used specifically for two subjects to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "equally concerned with" or "similarly focused on" for nuanced expressions. When writing, ensure that the connection is explicit to maximize clarity and avoid misinterpretations when you are using the phrase "both about".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similarly focused on

Highlights a shared focus or objective.

share a commonality in

Highlights a shared aspect or feature.

equally concerned with

Focuses on shared concern rather than general similarity.

are alike in their

Focuses on similarities between the subjects.

mutually related to

Emphasizes a reciprocal relationship or connection.

linked by a common theme

Highlights a thematic connection.

have a shared purpose of

Emphasizes a common goal or intention.

connected to each other through

Stresses the linking element between the two subjects.

are mutually interested in

Highlights a shared interest or enthusiasm.

revolve around the same idea

Focuses on a central concept or theme.

FAQs

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

Use "both about" to show that two subjects share a common characteristic, theme, or focus. For example, "The movie and the book are "both about" overcoming adversity."

What are some alternatives to saying "both about"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "equally concerned with", "similarly focused on", or "linked by a common theme" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "both about"?

Yes, the phrase "both about" is grammatically correct when used to indicate that two specific subjects share a common attribute or theme. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable.

What's the difference between saying "both are about" and "both about"?

While "both are about" is grammatically complete, "both about" is often used in a more concise manner within sentences, especially when the verb "are" is already implied or present in the surrounding context. For example, "They're "both about" the same thing" is a common usage.