both deputies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both deputies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two deputies in a context where their actions, roles, or characteristics are being discussed together. Example: "Both deputies were present at the meeting to discuss the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Both deputies are expected to survive.

The New York Times

Happily, both deputies proved more than capable".

The Guardian - Sport

It was the early hours of 15 February, and both deputies, Jaime Knacke and Daniel Trumm, observed that Thompson appeared to be high on drugs.

The Guardian

A few months ago, the institute staffers who were shot--Lev Schtilman and Yakov Burman, both deputies to Zhamogortsyan, and department chiefs Mikhail Nemirovsky and Yelena Orlovskaya--had written to the Russian Academy of Sciences requesting a review of IIBK.

Science Magazine

Both deputies fired multiple times, killing the man.

Los Angeles Times

Both deputies fired at the woman and she was struck at least once.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In January both deputy governors resigned.

The Economist

Patricia Dabney Langhorne and Matthew Wilhelm Friedrich, both deputy United States attorneys, were married yesterday in Pensacola, Fla.

The New York Times - Style

On Thursday, William J. Burns and Thomas R. Nides, both deputy secretaries of state, will testify in a public session before both panels.

The New York Times

Under the new accord, Law and Justice has agreed to give Self-Defense three ministerial portfolios, with Mr. Lepper becoming both deputy prime minister and minister of agriculture.

The New York Times

In its public statement announcing the firing, the White House said, "President Trump acted on the clear recommendations of both Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both deputies", ensure it's clear who the deputies are. Provide context or specify their names to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "both deputies" if the context doesn't clearly establish which two deputies are being referred to. Using it without proper context can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both deputies" functions as a determiner phrase acting as a noun phrase, specifying which deputies are being referred to. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples in news and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both deputies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to two specific deputies, primarily in news and formal contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various reliable sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies which deputies are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "the two deputies" for greater clarity, or "both officers" for a more general term. According to Ludwig AI analysis, the phrase is commonly used in formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two deputies

Replaces "both" with "the two" offering a slightly more specific reference.

the pair of deputies

Emphasizes the two as a unit or set.

these deputies

Uses a demonstrative pronoun to point out specific deputies already under discussion.

the aforementioned deputies

Refers back to deputies previously named or identified.

both officers

Substitutes "officers" for "deputies" providing a broader term for law enforcement personnel.

the two officials

Replaces "deputies" with "officials" offering a generic reference to persons in authority.

the respective deputies

Highlights that each deputy is related to a specific role or area.

the joint deputies

Implies that the deputies are working together on a shared task.

these representatives

Uses "representatives" instead of "deputies" suggesting a role of advocacy or representation.

the concerned deputies

Adds emphasis on their involvement in a situation

FAQs

How to use "both deputies" in a sentence?

Use "both deputies" to refer to two specific deputies, typically in a context where their joint actions or shared characteristics are relevant. For example, "Both deputies were involved in the investigation".

What can I say instead of "both deputies"?

You can use alternatives like "the two deputies", "the pair of deputies", or if referring to officers more generally, "both officers".

Which is correct, "both deputies" or "both of the deputies"?

"Both deputies" is generally more concise and common. "Both of the deputies" is also grammatically correct but can sound slightly more formal or emphatic.

When should I use "the two deputies" instead of "both deputies"?

While both are correct and often interchangeable, "the two deputies" may be preferred when you want to emphasize the number 'two' or when introducing the deputies for the first time, providing a more explicit clarification. After they're introduced, you can use "both deputies".