both is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both is" is not correct.
The correct phrase is "both are". This phrase is used when referring to two things. For example: Both Sarah and John are professional athletes.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having both is a blessing".

The New York Times

Both is best.

The Guardian

Using both is allowed.

The Guardian - Film

The top priority for both is Syria.

The New Yorker

The answer to both is: not really.

The Economist

A bit of both, is the answer.

The Economist

The answer to both is obviously, no.

The New York Times

Trying to overcome both is nearly impossible.

The New York Times - Sports

The answer to both is "very deep".

Independent

Otherwise, admission to both is six euros.

The New York Times - Travel

Russia's influence on both is big.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "both are" instead of "both is". The word "both" refers to two things, which requires the plural form of the verb 'to be'.

Common error

Avoid using "both is" even if it sounds correct in informal speech. Always remember that "both" implies a plural subject and requires a plural verb form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both is" functions as a subject-verb construction. However, it is grammatically incorrect, as noted by Ludwig AI. The intended function is to describe a state or characteristic shared by two entities, but the incorrect verb form undermines this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "both is" appears frequently across diverse sources like Ludwig examples, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies the proper form as "both are", as "both" necessitates a plural verb. Although its usage may be prevalent, especially in informal contexts, maintaining grammatical correctness is crucial for clear and effective communication. The phrase's intended purpose is to express shared attributes between two subjects, but the grammatical error compromises this intention. Always opt for "both are" to ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both are

Corrects the grammatical error by using the plural form of the verb 'to be'.

they both are

Emphasizes that two specific subjects share a characteristic or condition.

the two are

Highlights that two entities, considered as a pair, possess a certain attribute.

each is

Shifts the focus to individual items, implying a similar quality or state.

either is

Suggests that one or the other, but not necessarily both, possesses a certain quality.

in both cases, it is

Provides a more formal way to introduce a statement applicable to two scenarios.

regarding both, it is

Similar to the previous, offering a formal construction emphasizing relevance to two subjects.

when considering both, it is

Sets the context for a statement that holds true when considering two elements together.

with respect to both, it is

Introduces a formal consideration of two distinct items or subjects.

concerning both, it is

Indicates the topic is about two specific things.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "both" in a sentence?

When using "both", ensure the verb agrees with the plural subject. For example, instead of "both is", use "both are".

What's the difference between "both is" and "both are"?

"Both is" is grammatically incorrect because "both" refers to two things, requiring the plural verb "are". Therefore, the correct phrase is "both are".

Can I use "both is" in any context?

No, "both is" is grammatically incorrect in all contexts. The correct form is always "both are".

What are some alternatives to using "both is"?

Since "both is" is incorrect, use "both are". Depending on the sentence structure, you might also consider using "each is" or "they both are" to rephrase the sentence for clarity.