both and

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both and" is not correct or usable in written English.
Instead, you can use "both" on its own, or you can use "both" followed by a single verb or noun. For example: "Both Jane and I agreed to the plan."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's both, and more.

The New York Times

She kissed us both and left.

The New Yorker

He ignored them both and chose Miami.

The New York Times - Sports

Both and neither is my guess.

The New Yorker

We have both and we enjoy both.

The New York Times

His car was both and more.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It's a both-and," she said.

The New York Times

"It's a both-and problem.

The New York Times

So it's a both-and.

Huffington Post

Why can't Santa be both-and?

Huffington Post

It has to be both-and.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both and" primarily when refering back to two previously mentioned items, such as in the phrase 'I tried both and liked them'.

Common error

Avoid using "both and" as a single combined connector like 'and also' in formal writing. Ensure the 'both' clearly refers to two distinct antecedents mentioned earlier in the sentence or paragraph.

How to use

Learn how to use "both and" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

In most contexts found in Ludwig, "both and" functions as a functional sequence where 'both' acts as a pronoun referring to two previously mentioned items and 'and' serves as a coordinating conjunction. Ludwig AI notes that it is not a standalone idiomatic connector in the same way that "both...and" is.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, while Ludwig AI flags "both and" as potentially incorrect when viewed as a single standalone connector, the data shows it is a very common and functional sequence in English. It most frequently appears when a writer refers to two objects ("both") and then adds a second verb or clause ("and"). For example, 'She saw the two options, chose "both and" left happy'. In philosophical or theoretical contexts, you may also see it hyphenated as a 'both-and' approach, contrasting with 'either-or' logic. For standard coordination of two items, the correlative "both X and Y" remains the most precise choice for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both X and Y

Uses the standard correlative conjunction format for clarity

as well as

Functions as a multi-word preposition to connect two items

not only but also

Provides more emphasis on the inclusion of both elements

at once

Emphasizes the simultaneous nature of two qualities

simultaneously

Focuses on the temporal aspect of both things happening

both-and

Represents the specific philosophical concept of non-binary thinking

along with

Suggests accompaniment rather than equal coordination

coupled with

Indicates a stronger link or combination between two items

hand in hand

Metaphorical expression for items that always appear together

in addition to

Adds one element to another without the balance of both

FAQs

How to use "both and" in a sentence?

You can use it when referring to two preceding items, for example: 'I saw two movies; I enjoyed "both and" would recommend them'. In many cases, it is clearer to use the full correlative structure "both X and Y".

What can I say instead of "both and"?

Depending on your sentence, you might use "as well as", "simultaneously", or "not only but also" to convey the same meaning.

Is "both and" a correct phrase?

According to Ludwig AI, "both and" is not typically used as a standalone connector. However, it appears frequently in literature and news when 'both' functions as a pronoun referring to two items and 'and' acts as a conjunction connecting two clauses.

What is the difference between "both and" and "both... and"?

The structure "both X and Y" is a correlative conjunction used to join two words or phrases. The sequence "both and" usually occurs when 'both' is a pronoun used for objects, followed by a new clause starting with 'and'.