both men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both men" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two male individuals collectively. Example: "Both men were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both men are Jewish.

The New York Times

Both men fell.

The New York Times - Sports

Both men were drunk.

Independent

Both men laughed.

The New York Times

She outlived both men.

Independent

Both men are single.

The Guardian

Both men were posturing.

The New Yorker

Both men died instantly.

The Economist

Both men are engaging.

The New York Times

(Both men die).

The New York Times - Arts

Both men resigned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both men", ensure the context clearly identifies the two individuals being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, introduce the men by name before using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using singular pronouns or verbs when referring to "both men". Ensure that plural pronouns (e.g., "they", "them", "their") and plural verb forms are used to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both men" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically identifying and quantifying two male individuals. It is commonly used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both men" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to refer to two male individuals collectively. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common occurrence in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using "both men", ensure clarity by establishing the identity of the two men beforehand and maintaining pronoun agreement. Alternative phrases like "the two men" or "the pair of men" can be used depending on the desired emphasis or formality. Remember to avoid singular pronouns and maintain grammatical consistency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two men

Uses a definite article and numeral to refer to the pair, emphasizing their distinctness.

the pair of men

Emphasizes the group of two using the word "pair".

the two individuals

Replaces "men" with a more formal term, "individuals".

the two fellows

Uses a more informal term, "fellows", to refer to the men.

both male figures

Uses a more descriptive term, "male figures", to specify the gender.

the aforementioned men

Refers to men previously mentioned, indicating a prior reference.

the gentlemen

Uses a formal and polite term to refer to the men.

the two of them

Uses a pronoun to refer to the men, suitable when the reference is clear from context.

the two guys

Uses an informal term to refer to the men.

both chaps

Uses a colloquial term, "chaps", to refer to the men, typically in British English.

FAQs

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

You can use "both men" to refer to two specific male individuals previously mentioned or understood in the context. For example: "The police questioned two suspects; "both men" denied any involvement."

What are some alternatives to saying "both men"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the two men", "the pair of men", or "the two individuals". Consider the level of formality and the clarity needed when choosing an alternative.

Is it correct to say "both of the men" instead of "both men"?

While "both men" is concise and commonly used, "both of the men" is also grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. "Both men" is generally preferred for its simplicity.

When should I use "both men" versus "the two men"?

"Both men" is typically used when you want to emphasize that you are referring to two specific men collectively. "The two men" is more descriptive and can be used when you want to specify or distinguish those two men from others. For example: "Both men denied the charges" emphasizes their shared denial, while "The two men walked into the bank" simply describes the action of two individuals.