both of the main

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both of the main" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to two primary items or concepts, but it lacks clarity and completeness. Example: "Both of the main arguments presented in the debate were compelling."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both of the main challengers are plagued by ill-health.

The Guardian

Both of the main opposition parties recognise that.

The Economist

(Both of the main characters are asleep at some point in the ad).

The New Yorker

He has belonged to both of the main parties as well as to the Independence Party.

The Washington Post

Despite its name, the condition can destroy both of the main chambers of the heart.

The Guardian

Both of the main campuses, Weybridge and Ashford International, are within half a mile of the nearest train stations.

The Telegraph

The snap election meant both of the main parties were forced to centralise the majority of their candidate selection processes.

The Guardian

News International, for example, has been shown to have manipulated both of the main political parties for insider advantage.

The New York Times

Both of the main coalition parties, in a major reshuffling when they took power, have used the bureaucracy to reward supporters.

The New York Times

The United States Air Force did a more effective job, leaving several craters, each 15 feet deep, along both of the main runways.

The New York Times

Both of the main characters, Daniel and Katie, are typical of the kind of clients we help with welfare benefits and housing issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to key elements, consider using adjectives like 'primary', 'leading', or 'major' instead of 'main' to enhance precision.

Common error

Avoid using "both of the main" when you can directly specify the items or aspects you are referring to. For example, instead of saying "both of the main reasons", state "the two primary reasons" or list the reasons directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both of the main" functions as a determiner phrase, intended to specify two primary items or aspects. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically questionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both of the main" is frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. However, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. While its intent is to specify two primary elements, alternatives like "the two main", "the principal two", or "the primary pair" offer greater clarity and grammatical accuracy. To avoid ambiguity and maintain grammatical correctness, it's advisable to replace "both of the main" with these alternatives. Despite its common occurrence, adhering to standard English usage enhances the readability and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two main

Omits "both of" for a more concise phrasing.

the two major

Replaces 'main' with 'major' for a similar meaning.

the principal two

Reorders words, emphasizing the importance of the two entities.

the primary pair

Substitutes 'main' with 'primary' and replaces 'two' with the noun 'pair'.

the two leading

Replaces 'main' with 'leading', suggesting prominence or dominance.

the foremost couple

Uses "foremost" to indicate importance and "couple" to refer to the pair.

the chief duo

Employs "chief" as a synonym for "main" and "duo" to denote a pair.

the central brace

Uses "central" to convey importance and "brace" to refer to two.

the pivotal twosome

Emphasizes the critical nature of the two items.

both principal

Removes the article and "of the" and uses adjective 'principal'.

FAQs

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

Consider using phrases like "the two main", "the principal two", or "the primary pair". These alternatives offer similar meaning with improved grammatical correctness.

Is "both of the main" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "both of the main" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives.

How can I use "both of the main" correctly in a sentence?

It's advisable to avoid using "both of the main". Instead, rephrase the sentence to use alternatives like "the two main" or "the primary pair" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Which is correct, "both of the main" or "the two main"?

"The two main" is the correct and preferred phrase. "Both of the main" is considered grammatically incorrect. For example, use "the two main reasons" instead of "both of the main reasons".