both are happy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both are happy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two subjects are experiencing happiness or contentment. Example: "After the surprise party, both are happy and grateful for the effort put into the celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Even if two partners have slightly different brand preferences, if they can adopt a joint brand that both are happy about, that might increase happiness for a partner who would otherwise feel unsatisfied". Fitzsimons said that family branding isn't currently commonplace.

Duke University

Are two friends hanging over the same gadget "playing together" (assuming both are happy with the division of labor involved)?

The New York Times

Both are happy with the apartment.

The New York Times

Both are happy with their new home.

The New York Times

Despite their hardships, both are happy.

The Guardian

Both are happy in their new home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I wanted to create an affordable place where my kids and I would both be happy eating," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

If the car lives up to its buzz, producer and consumer will both be happy.

Forbes

And this way, we will both be happy.

Huffington Post

You and your roommate will both be happy in a clean environment.

WikiHow

You and your dog will both be happier if you spend time on proper house training.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "content", "pleased", or "satisfied" to add nuance and avoid repetition when describing happiness. The choice depends on the specific shade of emotion you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "both are happy" when referring to more than two entities. "All are happy" is more appropriate when describing the happiness of multiple subjects. Clarify if 'both' refers to two individuals or two distinct groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both are happy" functions as a descriptive expression. It attributes a state of happiness to two distinct entities. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show usage across various contexts, such as agreements, relationships, and outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

9%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both are happy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that two subjects share a feeling of contentment or satisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across a range of contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it's versatile enough for informal settings. For greater nuance, consider using synonyms like "content", "pleased", or "satisfied", but ensure the context clearly defines who "both" refers to, and avoid using it for more than two entities. Always use “are” with “both”, never “is”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both feel content

Replaces "happy" with "content", emphasizing a state of peaceful satisfaction.

both are satisfied

Uses "satisfied" to indicate fulfillment of needs or expectations.

both are pleased

Substitutes "happy" with "pleased", suggesting a sense of delight or gratification.

they are both delighted

Emphasizes a higher degree of happiness using "delighted".

they share a mutual joy

Highlights the shared experience of joy, which is a more intense form of happiness.

both parties are satisfied with the arrangement

Focuses on formal agreements and satisfaction with terms, suitable for business or legal contexts.

both are in agreement

Focuses on agreement rather than happiness, implying satisfaction with a decision or outcome.

they have reached a consensus

Emphasizes agreement and mutual satisfaction after discussion or negotiation.

both are comfortable with the situation

Indicates acceptance and lack of unease, implying a sense of satisfaction.

harmony exists between them

Indicates a state of peaceful coexistence and satisfaction, rather than direct happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "both are happy" in a sentence?

Use "both are happy" to describe a situation where two subjects experience a state of contentment. For example: "After the successful negotiation, both parties "are happy" with the outcome".

What are some alternatives to saying "both are happy"?

You can use alternatives like "both feel content", "both are satisfied", or "they share a mutual joy" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "both is happy"?

No, "both is happy" is grammatically incorrect. Since "both" refers to two subjects, the plural form "are" should be used. The correct phrase is "both are happy".

What's the difference between "both are happy" and "both seem happy"?

"Both are happy" implies a definite state of happiness, while "both seem happy" suggests an observation or perception of happiness that may not be entirely certain. The latter indicates less certainty about their true feelings.