both of the foregoing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both of the foregoing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to two previously mentioned items or points in a discussion or document. Example: "In conclusion, both of the foregoing arguments support the need for policy reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet in both of the foregoing studies, the CO values were roughly estimated at only 50%% of the value in the healthy children investigated by Salim et al. (5.2 ± 1.4 L/min/m2).

JA Clinical Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A final qualification, applicable to both A and B of the foregoing discussion, is in order.

Cornell University

Indeed how can any of the foregoing be objectionable?

The Guardian - Opinion

"All of the foregoing are subject to interpretation," he said.

The New York Times

Many strategic losses are the converse of the foregoing situations.

Harvard Business Review

The results of the foregoing investigations are discussed.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

Idealists considered all of the foregoing criticisms to be external.

Britannica

All of the foregoing represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All of the foregoing culminates in the title essay, Baldwin's declaration of independence.

The Guardian - Books

None of the foregoing is meant to suggest that simplicity sites are useless, trendy or foolish.

The New York Times

(x) Any portion or piece of any of the foregoing.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both of the foregoing" to clearly refer back to two specific items or points previously mentioned in your text, ensuring there is no ambiguity about what you are referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "both of the foregoing" in casual or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "both of the above" or "the two mentioned earlier" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both of the foregoing" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically used to refer back to two items or points that have been previously mentioned in a text. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. Its function is to create cohesion and avoid repetition by explicitly linking back to earlier content.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both of the foregoing" is a formal phrase used to refer back to two previously mentioned items or points. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and most appropriate for academic, scientific, and formal writing contexts. While alternatives like "both of the above" or "the previous two" exist, using "both of the foregoing" adds a level of precision that is valuable in structured and formal communications. Avoid using it in informal settings where simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both of the aforementioned

Replaces "foregoing" with "aforementioned", a more formal synonym.

both of the above

Substitutes "foregoing" with "above", a simpler and more common term.

both of the preceding

Uses "preceding" instead of "foregoing", indicating items that come immediately before.

the two previous items

Rephrases the reference to "two previous items" for clarity.

both points mentioned earlier

Specifies "points mentioned earlier" instead of using a formal term.

the prior two

A more concise way of referring to the two preceding items.

the two just stated

Refers to items that have been recently stated or discussed.

the two items above

Simplifies the reference to items located above in the text.

both aspects detailed before

Specifically refers to aspects or details provided earlier.

the earlier two

A shorter and more informal way to reference the two preceding items.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "both of the foregoing"?

Use "both of the foregoing" in formal writing when you need to clearly reference two specific items or points that you've already mentioned. It's best suited for contexts where precision and clarity are important.

What are some alternatives to "both of the foregoing"?

You can use alternatives like "both of the above", "both of the aforementioned", or "the two previous items depending on the context".

Is "both of the foregoing" considered formal language?

Yes, "both of the foregoing" is considered formal language. It's typically used in academic, legal, or other professional writing where a formal tone is expected. In more casual settings, alternatives like "both of the above" might be more suitable.

How can I ensure clarity when using "both of the foregoing"?

To ensure clarity, make sure that the two items you are referencing are clearly defined and easily identifiable in the preceding text. Avoid using the phrase if there is any ambiguity about which items you are referring to.