both are best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both are best" is not correct in standard written English.
It can be used when comparing two items or options, but it would be clearer to say "both are the best" or "both are equally good." Example: "In this case, both are the best choices for achieving our goals."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Both are best known in their musical incarnations, the latter as "Cabaret".

The New York Times

Both are best known for their prosecutions of organized crime figures.

The New York Times

Both are best just halved or quartered and baked, plain or with a sheen of flavored oil, although they can be stuffed.

The New York Times - Food

Von Stroheim plays the devoted butler to Swanson's fading screen diva in the roles for which both are best remembered today.

The Guardian - Film

Bertinelli appeared on "Oprah"; Jonah Goldberg, whose "Liberal Fascism" she replaces at No. 1, has not.... David Sheff and his son, Nic Sheff, both have memoirs about Nic's methamphetamine addiction, and both are best sellers.

The New York Times - Books

F1 2015 and Forza 6 were the two major motor-racing sims of the year and both are best played by the serious racer with the Thrustmaster TX racing wheel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Damon and Matsui would both be best utilized as a designated hitter if they return, but that is a problem for later.

The New York Times - Sports

Both is best.

The Guardian

Both were best sellers.

The New York Times

Both were best in certain conditions: the morning and the evening.

The New York Times

It said that C.P.A. matters, whether certification, licensing or both, were best handled by the Illinois Board of Examination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, clarify your meaning by specifying what makes them "best". For instance, say "both are the best choices for achieving our goals" or "both are best suited for outdoor use".

Common error

Avoid using "both are best" without specifying a clear criterion for comparison. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken your statement. Always clarify the context in which they are considered "best".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both are best" functions as a comparative statement, intending to convey that two options are superior. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is not grammatically correct in standard written English and requires further clarification to be considered acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "both are best" appears in various contexts, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. To ensure clarity and correctness, consider using alternative phrases such as "both are excellent" or "both are optimal", and provide specific context to justify the comparison. The phrase is mostly found in news and media and scientific sources, but its usage should be approached with caution and revised for better grammatical accuracy in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both are optimal

Replaces "best" with "optimal", suggesting the most favorable or desirable condition for both.

both are ideal

Substitutes "best" with "ideal", indicating that both options perfectly suit the situation.

both are excellent

Replaces "best" with "excellent", highlighting the superior quality of both.

both are superior

Substitutes "best" with "superior", indicating that both options are of higher quality or rank.

both are top-notch

Replaces "best" with "top-notch", implying that both are of the highest quality.

both are first-rate

Substitutes "best" with "first-rate", denoting that both are of excellent quality or standard.

both are equally good

Specifies that the quality or benefit of both options is equal.

both are advantageous

Replaces "best" with "advantageous", indicating that both options offer benefits or advantages.

both are preferable

Substitutes "best" with "preferable", suggesting that both options are desirable or favored.

both are recommended

Replaces "best" with "recommended", indicating that both options are endorsed or suggested as suitable.

FAQs

What's grammatically wrong with the phrase "both are best"?

The phrase "both are best" is grammatically incorrect. It's better to say "both are the best" or use alternatives like "both are excellent" or "both are optimal" to ensure clarity.

How can I use "both are best" correctly in a sentence?

While "both are best" isn't standard, you can use it by adding context. For example, "In this case, both are the best choices for achieving our goals." Alternatively, consider using "both are equally good".

What can I say instead of "both are best"?

You can use alternatives like "both are excellent", "both are top choices", or "both are ideal" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "both are best" and "both are the best"?

"Both are best" is grammatically incomplete. "Both are the best" specifies that the two options are the top choices within a defined set. Consider also alternatives like "both are superior" or "both are preferable".