both does

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both does" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as "both" implies two subjects, while "does" is singular. Example: "Both does not apply to this situation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

David, a writer about to have his first novel published, is in New York meeting his agent and editor when he has a run-in with a man at Penn Station – a man David both does and doesn't recognise and who says simply "Remember me".

The Guardian - Books

True independence, you see, both does, and doesn't, come cheap.

The Guardian - Film

Sculpture both does and doesn't take up space in the show.

The New York Times - Arts

The impulse both does us proud and gets us into trouble.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is especially illuminating on the nebulous concept of race, how it both does and doesn't exist.

The Guardian - Books

The answer, I think, has to do with the way the dog both does and doesn't stand in for the human being..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

ALB: You both did this?

The Guardian

Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower both did it.

The New York Times - Health

Hall and Patten both don't know.

The Guardian

Tom Petty and Jon Mellencamp both did it.

Vice

They both did.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to two subjects performing an action, ensure you use the plural form of the verb. For instance, instead of saying "both does", use "both do".

Common error

Avoid using the singular verb form "does" with "both", as "both" implies two subjects and requires a plural verb form like "do". For example, it's incorrect to say "both does"; the proper form is "both do".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both does" functions as a conjunction phrase attempting to link two subjects to an action. However, it's grammatically flawed. As Ludwig AI points out, the singular verb form "does" doesn't agree with the plural "both".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "both does" appears in some contexts, it's grammatically incorrect because "both" requires a plural verb form. Ludwig AI highlights this error. Correct alternatives like "both do" or "they both do" ensure grammatical accuracy and clearer communication. Although, not recommended in formal writing, this incorrect form still appears, even on high quality sources. Always prioritize grammatically sound alternatives for professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both do

Changes the verb to the plural form to agree with "both".

they both do

Adds a pronoun for clarity and maintains plural agreement with the verb.

both are

Uses the plural form of the verb "to be" to agree with the subject "both".

each does

Shifts the focus to individual action, using "each" to indicate separate instances.

both perform

Replaces "does" with a more formal verb that implies action by both subjects.

each performs

Like "each does", but with a slightly more formal verb choice.

they both execute

Combines clarity with a more decisive verb choice.

both execute

Employs a stronger verb, 'execute', suggesting a more deliberate performance by both.

they both accomplish

Further clarifies who is doing the accomplishing and ensures proper grammar.

both accomplish

Uses "accomplish" instead of "does" implying a sense of achievement by both subjects.

FAQs

Why is "both does" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "both does" is considered grammatically incorrect because "both" is plural and requires a plural verb form. The correct phrasing would be "both do", where "do" is the plural form of the verb.

What's the difference between "both do" and "each does"?

"Both do" indicates that two entities are performing the same action together or in a similar manner. "Each does" suggests that individual members of a group perform an action separately. Consider the nuance when choosing which is most fitting.

In what contexts might I see "both does" used, even though it's grammatically incorrect?

Although grammatically incorrect, "both does" might appear in informal speech or writing where strict grammatical rules are not always followed. However, in formal writing, it's best to use "both do" or other grammatically correct alternatives.

Are there situations where "both does" could be considered acceptable?

No, "both does" is generally not considered acceptable in standard English. There might be very specific, non-standard dialects where it appears, but in formal or professional contexts, "both do" should always be used.