both classmates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both classmates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two individuals who are in the same class or educational setting. Example: "Both classmates worked together on the project and achieved great results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The State Police interviewed Mr. Diaz and Mr. Marks, both classmates of Mr. Helt's, and Mr. LaForge, who was 21, Captain Tripodo said, adding that the men abandoned Mr. LaForge's car and walked home shortly after Mr. Helt left.

The New York Times

He then posted his paper to a class forum and over the next several days got responses from both classmates and his professor.

Forbes

Two of his cofounders are in the ranks for the first time: Eduardo Saverin and Dustin Moskovitz, both classmates of Zuckerberg's at Harvard.

Forbes

Growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, I was often peppered with questions from both classmates and teachers about my religion.

Huffington Post

They draw stares from both classmates and parents when — as Kitty and Wolfy — they hug (and sometimes paw) each other goodbye at the end of the day.

Huffington Post

Overachievers appear self-motivated, less needy of praise and recognition, while poorly behaved students disrupt the learning environment, frustrating both classmates and teachers.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The witnesses were both former classmates of Mr. Skakel's at the Elan School in Poland Spring, Me.

The New York Times

In 2004, Bear introduced Droste to Taylor and Rossen, both former classmates of Bear's from N.Y.U., and Grizzly Bear became a band.

The New Yorker

When Caleb (not his real name) drove up from South Carolina to his class reunion this year he didn't expect the unwelcoming reception he got from both his classmates and the college.

Huffington Post

Coming into a class as a skipped-year student sets expectations for you with both your classmates and your teacher.

WikiHow

Their girth notwithstanding, I retain fond feelings for both the classmate and the Cruiser.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both classmates", ensure the context clearly establishes who the classmates are and why their relationship is relevant to the discussion. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "both classmates" when referring to more than two individuals, as "both" inherently limits the group to two. In scenarios involving more than two classmates, opt for terms like "several classmates" or "the classmates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both classmates" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a determiner phrase that identifies two specific individuals who share the status of being classmates. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote a specific relationship between two people.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both classmates" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to specifically refer to two individuals who share the same class. Ludwig AI analysis of various sources indicates that it is most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral level of formality. It serves the purpose of highlighting a shared experience or characteristic between the two individuals. While generally correct, it is important to ensure that the context clearly establishes the identity of the classmates and to avoid using it when referring to more than two people. Alternative phrases like "the two students" or "the pair of classmates" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two classmates

Replaces "both" with a definite article and number, emphasizing a specific pair.

the two students

Substitutes "classmates" with "students", broadening the context beyond just being in the same class.

both students

Replaces "classmates" with "students", which is more general.

the pair of classmates

Adds emphasis on the duo as a pair.

the former classmates

Indicates that they were classmates in the past.

two fellow students

Uses "fellow students" to denote a shared educational experience, replacing "classmates".

the classmates in question

Specifies that the classmates have been previously mentioned or are under discussion.

both members of the class

Emphasizes their membership within a particular class or group.

these two classmates

Uses "these" to indicate classmates that are close by or being directly referenced.

each of the classmates

Shifts the focus to the individual classmates rather than the pair as a unit.

FAQs

How can I use "both classmates" in a sentence?

You can use "both classmates" to refer to two specific individuals who are in the same class. For example, "Both classmates collaborated on a science project."

What's a synonym for "both classmates"?

A synonym for "both classmates" is "the two students". It serves a similar purpose but might be more applicable in contexts outside of the classroom.

Is it correct to say "both of the classmates"?

Yes, saying "both of the classmates" is grammatically correct, although using just "both classmates" is often more concise and common.

How does "both classmates" differ from "each classmate"?

"Both classmates" refers to two specific individuals, whereas "each classmate" refers to all classmates individually, one at a time. The scope of reference changes from a pair to all members of the class.