both of them are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both of them are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two subjects and stating something about them collectively. Example: "Both of them are excellent candidates for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both of them are obvious.

The New Yorker

Both of them are from England.

The New York Times

"I think both of them are bubbles.

The New Yorker

Both of them are mainlining heroin.

The New Yorker

Both of them are quick-witted guys.

The New York Times

Both of them are small markets".

The New York Times - Sports

Both of them are for Main Street.

The Economist

"Both of them are kaput now.

The New Yorker

And both of them are brilliant.

Independent

Both of them are against greed.

The Economist

Both of them are really good spots.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When possible, replace the phrase with a more specific descriptor, especially in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "The researchers used two methods. Both of them are effective", you could say "Both methods are effective."

Common error

Avoid using "both of them are" when the reference is unclear or distant. If readers must search back through the text to identify who "them" refers to, consider rephrasing for greater clarity. For example, instead of using the phrase several sentences after introducing the subjects, reiterate who you're discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both of them are" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a verb, indicating a shared attribute or condition pertaining to two previously mentioned entities. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is generally correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both of them are" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a shared characteristic or condition between two subjects. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general communication. While versatile, ensure the subjects are clear to avoid ambiguity. For increased writing precision, consider synonyms like "they both are" or directly stating the shared attribute when context allows. Remember that other resources may provide further details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they both are

This alternative changes the order of the words, placing the pronoun first.

the two are

This alternative uses "the two" instead of "both of them".

they're both

This is a contraction of "they are both".

each is

This alternative emphasizes the individual aspect of each subject while still applying the same characteristic.

the pair is

This alternative refers to the subjects as a pair.

both individuals are

This alternative uses more formal language, emphasizing the individuality of each subject.

the two of them

This alternative rephrases using "the two of them".

considered together, they are

This alternative emphasizes that the statement applies when considering the subjects as a group.

jointly, they are

This alternative uses an adverb to indicate that the subjects share a characteristic.

taken as a whole, they are

This alternative highlights that the statement applies when the subjects are viewed collectively.

FAQs

How can I use "both of them are" in a sentence?

Use "both of them are" to describe a shared quality or characteristic between two specific subjects. For example: "The twins are talented musicians. Both of them are skilled in playing the piano".

What's a more concise alternative to "both of them are"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they both are", "they're both", or simply state the shared attribute directly without the phrase.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "both of them are"?

While grammatically correct, using "both of them are" can be redundant if the context already clearly indicates you're referring to two subjects. In such cases, a simpler construction might be preferable.

What are some synonyms for "both of them are"?

Consider alternatives like "the two are", "each is", or "the pair is" to introduce variety into your writing and make it more accurate.