both here and not here

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both here and not here" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or concept where something exists in two contradictory states simultaneously, often in philosophical or abstract discussions. Example: "In the realm of quantum physics, particles can be both here and not here, existing in a state of superposition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When the male employees jeer at her, she retreats, in her thoughts, "To a place close yet distant, both here and not here; / Present, but untouched by doubt or by fear".

The New York Times - Books

"It's a special day for all the family, both here and not here.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

America is here and not here.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Something moves not because at one moment of time it is here and at another there, but because at one and the same moment it is here and not here".

SEP

If part of what makes ghosts so unnerving is their ability to be both here and yet not here, then our distracted, dissatisfied, superficial culture creates ghosts even of the living.

The Guardian - Books

We must focus on the present and future, and on why we are here - not here in Washington, DC, this evening, but why we are here on this earth at all.

Huffington Post

Here but not here.

The New York Times

So he was here but not here.

The New York Times

He is here but not here".

The New York Times - Books

When her father returns: "He is here but not here".

The Guardian - Books

Her most recent book, the memoir "Here But Not Here," was published in 1998.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "both here and not here" to describe situations where something or someone has a physical presence but lacks full engagement or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "both here and not here" when a simpler term like "absent" or "missing" suffices. This phrase works best when emphasizing a paradoxical state of presence and absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both here and not here" functions as a modifier, adding nuance to descriptions by indicating a paradoxical state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. For example, it can describe someone physically present but mentally absent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both here and not here" is used to describe a paradoxical state of simultaneous presence and absence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct, although its usage is rare. It is often found in News & Media and Science contexts. Related phrases include "simultaneously present and absent" or "existing in dual states". When writing, use this phrase to add nuance when a simple term like "absent" won't express simultaneous presence. The purpose of this construction is to indicate the simultaneous presence and absence of something, frequently to highlight a lack of engagement or a disconnect despite physical presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously present and absent

Emphasizes the co-occurrence of being present and absent at the same time.

existing in dual states

Highlights the presence of something in two different conditions.

present in absence

Suggests a presence felt despite physical absence.

virtually present

Indicates presence through virtual means, not physically.

here in spirit

Implies a non-physical presence, often emotional or symbolic.

both real and unreal

Highlights the paradoxical nature of something existing in reality and unreality.

being and non-being

Philosophical term referring to the coexistence of existence and non-existence.

effectively absent

Focuses on the lack of effective presence, despite physical presence.

seemingly present

Suggests that the presence is only apparent or superficial.

partially absent

Highlights that the presence is not complete or whole.

FAQs

How can I use "both here and not here" in a sentence?

You can use "both here and not here" to describe a state of being where someone or something is physically present but mentally or emotionally absent. For instance, "Even though he was physically present at the meeting, he seemed "both here and not here"."

What does it mean when something is "both here and not here"?

When something is described as ""both here and not here"", it suggests a paradoxical state where it exists in a certain place or situation, yet is simultaneously absent in some critical aspect, such as attention, engagement, or influence.

What are some alternatives to saying "both here and not here"?

Alternatives include phrases like "simultaneously present and absent", "existing in dual states", or "present in absence". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "both here and not here"?

The phrase ""both here and not here"" is most appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize a paradoxical or contradictory state of existence, such as describing someone's disengagement despite their physical presence, or a concept that has both presence and absence of influence.