both are pretty

USAGE SUMMARY

'both are pretty' is a grammatically correct, usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe two different things that you find attractive. For example, "I think both the dress and the necklace are pretty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Both are pretty unlikely.

The New Yorker

No, both are pretty surprising [laughs].

The New York Times

So probably both are pretty big challenges, I would say".

The New York Times - Sports

Both are pretty small but they get good acts.

The Guardian - Travel

Both are pretty boys who double as on-field swashbucklers.

The New York Times

"I find myself sharing opinions about art with him -- we both are pretty critical of Michelangelo.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Both were pretty hopeless.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, both were pretty good dishes.

Independent

"They could both be pretty extreme.

The Guardian - Sport

"They've both been pretty aggressive in dropping prices".

The New York Times

Both were pretty girls, captured smiling when they were around twelve or thirteen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both are pretty", ensure the context makes it clear what 'both' refers to, preventing ambiguity. For example, specify "Both the painting and the sculpture are pretty."

Common error

Avoid using "both are pretty" when referring to a single item described with two adjectives. Instead of saying "The flower, both colorful and pretty, is...", say "The flower is both colorful and pretty."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both are pretty" functions as a descriptive expression. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It serves to express a subjective assessment of attractiveness or aesthetic appeal concerning two distinct subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both are pretty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe two items or subjects as visually appealing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it holds a neutral register, suitable for a range of communications. Alternatives like "both are attractive" or "both are appealing" can be used for slight variations in meaning. Remember to ensure clarity regarding what "both" refers to, and avoid misusing the phrase with singular nouns described by multiple adjectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are both pretty

Reorders the sentence structure, keeping the same meaning.

both are attractive

Replaces "pretty" with a synonym emphasizing visual appeal.

both are beautiful

Substitutes "pretty" with a stronger term for attractiveness.

both are appealing

Uses a broader term than "pretty", suggesting general attractiveness or interest.

both are lovely

Employs a more affectionate synonym for "pretty".

both are rather cute

Replaces "pretty" with "cute", suggesting charm and attractiveness.

both are handsome

Shifts the context to describe males, implying attractiveness.

both look nice

Changes the structure to focus on appearance rather than inherent quality.

both seem pleasant

Alters the meaning to suggest agreeableness or likeability.

both are quite fetching

Introduces a more old-fashioned synonym for "attractive".

FAQs

What does "both are pretty" mean?

The phrase "both are pretty" means that two distinct items or subjects are considered attractive or visually pleasing. It's a subjective assessment of aesthetic quality.

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

You can use "both are pretty" to express your appreciation for two things. For example, "Both the sunset and the beach "are pretty"." Alternatively, "Both dresses "are pretty", but I prefer the blue one."

Which is correct, "both is pretty" or "both are pretty"?

"Both are pretty" is grammatically correct. "Both" refers to two items, requiring the plural verb "are". "Both is pretty" is incorrect because it uses a singular verb with a plural subject.

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

Alternatives include "both are attractive", "both are beautiful", or "both are appealing". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.