both internal and foreign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both internal and foreign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing matters that involve both domestic and international aspects or influences. Example: "The company is focusing on both internal and foreign markets to expand its reach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A strong argument for Tony Blair's candidacy is that he would enable Britain to play a much needed proactive role in the European Union on both internal and foreign affairs.

The New York Times

The aide, Vladimir Rushailo, is secretary of the Kremlin's national security council, the agency that drafts long-range plans for addressing both internal and foreign threats to Russia's stability.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As time went on, the Chinese thus gained even greater control over both the internal and foreign trade of the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our analysis allows us to reveal serious problems with identity (on different levels from national to professional) inside Russia and it is getting obvious that those constraints have influenced both Russian internal and foreign policy.

European Journal of Futures Research

Since Pakistan's inception, the military has been a dominant force in running both internal politics and foreign policy.

Huffington Post

Nevertheless, Stalin's departure lessened the pressures for greater integration with the West, and Tito came to conceive of his internal and foreign policy as being equidistant from both blocs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Polish historian Łossowski notes that both sides mistreated the civilian population and exaggerated reports to gain internal and foreign support.

Wikipedia

Historically migrants, internal and foreign, would arrive in the inner city and graduate to leafier parts as their incomes increased.

The Guardian

Together these two strata formed the boyar council, which helped the tsar direct the internal and foreign affairs of the state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the vacuum, Ratcliffe has been left to try and make sense of the opaque mystery of Iran's internal and foreign politics.

The Guardian

A double-figure share of the vote for the EFF means not only less investment, internal and foreign, but also the start of capital outflows.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a country's policies, use "both internal and foreign" to show a comprehensive approach that considers domestic and international implications.

Common error

Avoid using "both internal and foreign" interchangeably with terms like "domestic and international" without considering the specific context. "Internal" often relates to organizational structure or feelings, while "domestic" is usually about a nation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both internal and foreign" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun, often policy, affairs, or investment. It indicates a comprehensive consideration of elements within and outside a specific boundary, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both internal and foreign" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, designed to convey a balanced consideration of elements from within and beyond a defined boundary. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves as a compound adjective, commonly modifying nouns such as policies, affairs, or investments, and its application is especially evident in news, encyclopedic and scientific contexts. While the phrase is adaptable to multiple contexts, it is best to use in formal conversations. Related alternatives include "domestic and international" and "national and international". In summary, the phrase communicates a holistic outlook, useful for strategic planning and objective assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domestic and foreign affairs

More explicit and specific; it emphasizes the 'affairs' aspect of internal and foreign matters.

domestic and international

Replaces "internal" with "domestic" and "foreign" with "international", maintaining the core meaning.

national and international

Substitutes "internal" with "national", emphasizing the country's perspective.

home and abroad

Provides a concise way to refer to domestic and international locations or affairs.

local and overseas

Offers a less formal alternative, suitable for broader contexts.

national and global

Broader scope, emphasizing the global implications alongside national ones.

inward and outward

Uses directional terms to describe the focus of activities or policies.

in the country and internationally

Adds clarity by explicitly stating "in the country" for the internal aspect.

inside and outside the country

More descriptive and less formal, clearly indicating the geographical scope.

internal to the organization and externally

Applicable when referring to a specific organization's internal and external operations.

FAQs

How can I use "both internal and foreign" in a sentence?

You can use "both internal and foreign" to describe elements that pertain to matters within a specific boundary and those outside it. For example, "The company's success depends on "both internal and foreign" investments".

What phrases are similar to "both internal and foreign"?

Similar phrases include "domestic and international", "national and international", and "local and overseas", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "both internal and foreign" together?

No, it's not always necessary. You can use "internal" or "foreign" separately if you only need to refer to one aspect. For example, "The focus is on internal improvements" or "We are expanding our foreign markets".

What's the difference between "both internal and foreign" and "both domestic and foreign"?

"Internal" often refers to elements within a structure or organization, while "domestic" usually relates to a nation's affairs. While similar, "both internal and foreign" and "both domestic and foreign" are not always interchangeable. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.