both contain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both contain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two items that have something in common. For example: "Both apples and oranges contain Vitamin C."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both contain fossils.

The Guardian - Travel

Both contain sodium nitrite.

The New York Times

Both contain abundant new stuff.

The New York Times

Both contain arrays of fragile elements.

The Economist

Both contain claim information on properties and consumers.

The New York Times

Both contain much more information than contained in this article.

Harvard University

Film is a bit like skin: both contain collagen.

The Economist

Among annelids, marine worms and earthworms both contain luminous forms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both views are exaggerations; both contain important truths.

The Economist

Both contain two children from earlier relationships and two from the present one.

The Guardian - Film

Both contain hydrocyanic acid, a poisonous substance that is eliminated by cooking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both contain" when you want to highlight a shared element or attribute between two subjects, ensuring that the context clearly defines what is being contained. For example, "Both the apple and the orange "both contain" Vitamin C."

Common error

While "both contain" is grammatically sound, avoid using it repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "both share", "each includes", or rephrasing to enhance readability and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both contain" functions as a linking phrase, indicating that two specific subjects share a particular component or characteristic. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to draw comparisons and highlight commonalities between different entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both contain" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight shared attributes between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, from formal academic writing to informal news articles. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse by incorporating synonyms like "both share" or "each includes" to maintain engaging and varied writing. Its neutral register and broad applicability make "both contain" a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both share

Highlights the shared nature of the contained element.

both feature

Focuses on a prominent or noteworthy element.

both incorporate

Emphasizes the act of incorporating something as part of a larger whole.

each includes

Focuses on individual inclusion rather than a shared characteristic.

both are composed of

Emphasizes the elements that make up the whole.

each encompasses

Implies a broader scope of inclusion.

both exhibit

Highlights the demonstration or display of a characteristic.

each possesses

Stresses individual ownership of a particular attribute.

both embody

Suggests the items are a tangible representation of something abstract.

each integrates

Highlights the process of combining elements.

FAQs

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

Use "both contain" to indicate that two distinct entities share a particular element or characteristic. For example, "The novel and the film adaptation "both contain" the same central theme."

What are some alternatives to "both contain"?

You can use alternatives like "both share", "each includes", or "both incorporate" to express a similar idea.

Is it correct to say "both are containing" instead of "both contain"?

While grammatically understandable, "both are containing" is less common and generally less preferred compared to the more direct and concise "both contain". The latter is usually clearer and more effective.

What's the difference between "both contain" and "each contain"?

"Both contain" emphasizes a shared characteristic or element between two specific entities, whereas "each contain" focuses on the individual inclusion of something within multiple entities. For example, use "both contain" when discussing two items and use "each contain" when discussing more than two items.