both are possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both are possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when there are two or more possible options or solutions. For example: "We can either go to the movies or stay home and watch a movie. Both are possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

With hindsight, I know both are possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The movie eventually and unsentimentally establishes that both are possible.

The Guardian - Film

Both are possible, depending on the next two days.

The New York Times - Sports

Both are possible contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

The New York Times

Both are possible with Stem, a spray nozzle that you insert into the fruit.

The New York Times - Food

You don't have to understand quantum physics to know that both are possible at the same time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

There was no need, Ms. Sandberg told her, to choose between having children and a career — both were possible.

The New York Times

By linking them, they showed that conciliation between both was possible (Ribémont 1992).

Ecological Processes

How can both be possible?

Huffington Post

Both were possible with the development time allotted for Brawl.

Wikipedia

The presence of both cross peaks at comparable intensity therefore indicates that both conformations are possible.

Food Biophysics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both are possible" when presenting two distinct options or potential outcomes without implying a preference for either. This phrasing maintains neutrality and acknowledges the validity of both possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "both are possible" as a standalone statement without clearly identifying the 'both' you're referring to. Always ensure the context is clear to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both are possible" functions as an affirmation of dual potential, indicating that two distinct scenarios or outcomes are feasible. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

59%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both are possible" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that two different outcomes or options are feasible. According to Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used in news, media and scientific contexts and serves the purpose of acknowledging multiple possibilities or presenting options neutrally. To prevent ambiguity, ensure the options are clearly defined. For alternative phrasings, consider "both outcomes are achievable" or "either option is feasible". By avoiding overuse and maintaining clarity, you can effectively use "both are possible" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both outcomes are achievable

Changes the phrasing to emphasize achievability of the outcomes.

both scenarios are viable

Replaces 'possible' with 'viable' to suggest practicality.

either option is feasible

Focuses on the feasibility of each individual option.

multiple solutions exist

Shifts the focus to problem-solving with several potential answers.

various alternatives are conceivable

Uses more formal language, emphasizing that alternatives can be imagined or thought of.

different paths are attainable

Highlights attainability as the key element.

both results are within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes the scope of possibility for the results.

there are multiple potential outcomes

Shifts the focus to the existence of several potential results.

each choice is a valid option

Highlights validity as the key element.

a range of options is available

Changes the sentence structure to focus on the availability of a range of options.

FAQs

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

Use "both are possible" when you want to indicate that two different outcomes or options are equally likely or feasible. For example, "We can either increase marketing spend or improve product quality; "both are possible"."

What's a more formal alternative to "both are possible"?

In a more formal setting, you might use phrases like "both outcomes are viable" or "either option is feasible" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "both is possible"?

No, the correct grammatical form is "both are possible". The word "both" implies plurality, requiring the plural form of the verb "to be".

Which is correct, "both are possible" or "both is a possibility"?

"Both are possible" is a more direct and common way to express that two options are feasible. "Both is a possibility" is grammatically incorrect. A better alternative can be "either is a possibility".