both is good

USAGE SUMMARY

The correct phrase is "both are good." This phrase is often used to compare two options when both are beneficial.
For example, "Both going for a walk and eating a healthy snack are good ways to stay healthy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Why are you concerning yourself with the meaning of meaning?" Another interviewer: I think a healthy balance of both is good.

Huffington Post

A new hybrid for the future that combines the best of both is good for everyone and good for the Post".

Huffington Post

A mixture of both is good for teens.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Both are good stories.

The New York Times - Sports

Both are good receivers.

The New York Times - Sports

So both are good.

The Guardian

Both are good putters.

The New York Times - Sports

Both are good looking.

The New York Times

Both are good in the air.

The Guardian - Sport

Both are good at what they do.

The Guardian - Sport

Both are good choices for visitors.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct plural form "are" when referring to "both". Say "both are good" instead of "both is good".

Common error

Avoid using singular verb forms with plural subjects. "Both" refers to two items and requires a plural verb. Using "is" instead of "are" creates a grammatical error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both is good" is intended to function as a statement indicating that two options or entities possess positive qualities. However, due to a subject-verb disagreement, it does not fulfill this function correctly. Ludwig AI points out that the correct form is "both are good."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

34%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both is good" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "both are good". As Ludwig AI points out, this is due to subject-verb agreement; "both" is plural and requires the plural verb "are". While the intent of the phrase – to express that two options are positive – is often clear, using the correct grammatical form enhances clarity and credibility, particularly in formal communication. Ludwig's examples show how different sources tend to use the correct form, and related phrases offer grammatically sound alternatives for expressing similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both are beneficial

Replaces "good" with a synonym that emphasizes the positive impact of both options.

both are advantageous

Similar to "beneficial" but with a slightly more formal tone, indicating a clear advantage from both options.

both are positive

A more general term that indicates a favorable outcome from either choice.

both are acceptable

Indicates that either option is satisfactory, though perhaps not ideal.

either is a good choice

Shifts the focus to the act of choosing, highlighting that the selection doesn't significantly matter as both are positive.

both have merit

Suggests that each option has valuable qualities or deserves consideration.

both are viable

Emphasizes that either option is capable of succeeding or working effectively.

both serve the purpose

Highlights that either option will adequately fulfill the intended goal or objective.

both are desirable

Indicates that both options are attractive or wanted.

either will work well

Focuses on the functionality and effectiveness of both options.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "both is good"?

The correct phrasing is "both are good". The word "both" refers to two things, making it plural and requiring the plural verb "are".

When should I use "both are good" in a sentence?

Use "both are good" when you want to express that two options or items are satisfactory or beneficial. For example, "Both exercise and a healthy diet "are good" for your health".

What can I say instead of "both is good"?

Since "both is good" is grammatically incorrect, use "both are good". Alternatively, you can use phrases like "both are beneficial", "either is a good choice", or "both have merit".

Which is correct, "both is good" or "both are good"?

"Both are good" is the grammatically correct option. "Both is good" is incorrect due to subject-verb disagreement.