both for and

USAGE SUMMARY

"both for and" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used when listing two items related to the same subject. For example: We offer both traditional and modern classes, and both for and against the traditional approach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There have been several demonstrations in Paris both for and against the bill.

BBC

Much will have been written about the Mosque at Ground Zero both for and against.

Huffington Post

The articles included here offer evidence both for and against.

The Guardian

The Spanish case provides arguments both for and against monarchy.

The Guardian - Opinion

His expatriate experience has worked both for and against him.

The New York Times

Protests both for and against the proposed mosque continued.

The New York Times

What are the arguments both for and against his position?

The New York Times

He acted both for and against surcharged Labour councillors.

Independent

Feelings run high, both for and against super-sized primaries, among parents, teachers and community activists.

The Guardian

He has voted both for and against granting China normal trading status.

The New York Times

Mr. Osby, 48, understands the conundrum; he has seen it work both for and against him.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both for and", ensure that the items being connected are parallel in structure and grammatical form for clarity and coherence.

Common error

Avoid using "both for and" when the elements being compared are not grammatically parallel. For example, instead of "both for its history and because it's beautiful", use "both for its history and for its beauty".

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "both for and" is to present contrasting arguments, viewpoints, or aspects related to a particular subject. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used. It serves as a conjunction to introduce opposing perspectives, enhancing the balance and comprehensiveness of a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both for and" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to present contrasting viewpoints or aspects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly employed in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. The phrase helps provide a balanced perspective, acknowledging different sides of an issue. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to maintain parallel structure in the elements being compared. Alternatives like "arguments on both sides" or "pros and cons" can be used to express similar meanings. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for and against

A shorter, more direct way of expressing opposing views.

arguments on both sides

Focuses specifically on the arguments presented, rather than a broader stance.

in favor of and opposed to

More formal and explicit in stating support and opposition.

pros and cons

A common idiom referring to the advantages and disadvantages of something.

supporting and rejecting

Highlights the actions of accepting or denying something.

advantages and disadvantages

Emphasizes the positive and negative aspects of a situation.

on the one hand, on the other hand

Introduces contrasting points of view or arguments.

the good and the bad

More general way to mention positive and negative aspects.

counterarguments and supporting evidence

Highlights the evidence presented, focusing more on proofs.

affirmative and negative arguments

Uses formal terminology, suitable for debates or structured discussions.

FAQs

How can I use "both for and" in a sentence?

The phrase "both for and" is used to present contrasting aspects or viewpoints. For example, "There were arguments "both for and" against the proposal".

What are some alternatives to using "both for and"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "arguments on both sides", "pros and cons", or simply "for and against".

Is it correct to say "both in favor and against"?

While understandable, "both in favor and against" isn't as concise or grammatically standard as ""both for and"". The latter is more commonly used and considered correct.

What's the difference between "both for and" and "for and against"?

"Both for and" usually introduces a broader context, while ""for and against"" is a direct, shorter way to express opposing views on a specific topic.