both have

USAGE SUMMARY

"both have" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to two subjects or objects that possess or perform the same action. Example: "Both have a passion for music, but they express it in different ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both have white hair.

The New Yorker

Both have awful demography.

The New York Times

Both have denied wrongdoing.

Independent

Both have musical backgrounds.

The New York Times

Both have been canceled.

The New York Times - Sports

So both have lost.

The Economist

Both have law degrees.

The New York Times

Both have suffered setbacks.

The New York Times - Health

Both have now reopened.

The New York Times

Both have turned professional.

The New York Times

Both have day jobs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both have", ensure that the subjects you are referring to are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The dogs are tired, both have been running", specify which dogs you're referring to or rephrase for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "both have" when referring to a singular subject. Instead of saying "The company and its subsidiary, both have reported profits", rephrase to "Both the company and its subsidiary have reported profits" or "The company and its subsidiary have both reported profits."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both have" functions as a conjunction phrase indicating that two distinct subjects share a characteristic, action, or possession. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both have" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction indicating shared characteristics or actions between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows for use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, always define the subjects clearly and avoid misuse with singular nouns. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "they both possess". By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "both have" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they both possess

Replaces "have" with the more formal "possess", emphasizing ownership.

each of them has

Breaks down the subjects individually, highlighting that each one individually has the characteristic.

they share

Focuses on the shared aspect of possessing something in common.

both parties include

Emphasizes the inclusion or incorporation of something by both parties.

they jointly own

Highlights joint ownership, particularly relevant when discussing possessions or responsibilities.

each one includes

Similar to "each of them has" but uses "includes" to suggest a component or feature.

they are both equipped with

Emphasizes that both are outfitted or furnished with something specific.

each encompasses

Suggests that both contain or include something more broadly.

they mutually maintain

Focuses on a sustained or ongoing aspect of having something.

both demonstrate

Highlights that the quality is shown or exhibited by each subject.

FAQs

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

The phrase "both have" is used to indicate that two distinct subjects share a characteristic, action, or possession. For example, "The children and their parents, "both have" agreed to participate in the study".

What is a more formal alternative to "both have"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "they both possess" or "each of them has". These alternatives offer a similar meaning but with a heightened sense of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "both has"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "both have", as "both" implies a plural subject, which requires the plural form of the verb "to have".

What’s the difference between "both have" and "each has"?

"Both have" refers to two specific subjects acting together, whereas "each has" emphasizes the individual action or possession of multiple subjects considered separately. For instance, "Both have completed the assignment" indicates that two specific people completed it together, while "Each has completed the assignment" indicates that multiple people each completed it individually.