both of these

USAGE SUMMARY

'both of these' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to two separate items that have been mentioned previously. For example, "We have both a blue and a green car. Both of these are great options for a road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Both of these are important".

The New York Times

Both of these changes matter.

Independent

Both of these survived.

The New York Times - Books

Both of these hypotheses have been tested.

The New Yorker

"Both of these propositions are unproven".

The New Yorker

Both of these make evolutionary sense.

The Economist

Governments do both of these things.

The Economist

We had violated both of these rules.

The New Yorker

Tells about debate on both of these.

The New Yorker

Both of these use romanicised alphabets.

The Economist

Wrought iron solved both of these problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the items to which "both of these" refers are clearly identifiable in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "both of these" when the two items being referred to are not immediately clear or have not been explicitly mentioned. Instead, rephrase to clearly state the items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both of these" functions as a demonstrative pronoun, pointing back to two specific items or concepts previously mentioned in the text. It helps to maintain cohesion and avoid repetition. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both of these" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer back to two previously mentioned items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. To use it effectively, ensure that the reference is clear and unambiguous. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral contexts. Alternatives like "the two" or "these two items" can provide variety. Remember to avoid using it when the items being referenced are not readily apparent. By considering these points, you can confidently incorporate "both of these" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two

A more concise way to refer to two items.

these two items

Explicitly includes the word 'items' for clarity.

both of those

Refers to two items that are further away or less immediate.

these aforementioned

More formal, emphasizing that the items were mentioned earlier.

both aforementioned

More formal and direct, emphasizing that both items were previously mentioned.

the pair

A collective noun referring to two items considered as a unit.

these considerations

Emphasizes that the items are abstract considerations or points.

both aspects

Emphasizes the items as distinct aspects of a single subject.

these elements

Refers to components or parts of a larger whole.

both things

A general way to refer to two unspecified items.

FAQs

How can I use "both of these" in a sentence?

First, mention two distinct items. Then, you can use "both of these" to refer back to them. For example, "I like apples and oranges. Both of these are fruits."

What's a simple alternative to "both of these"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the two", "these two items", or "both of those".

Is it ever incorrect to use "both of these"?

It's incorrect if the items being referred to are not clearly defined or previously mentioned. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Can I use "both of these" for more than two items?

No, "both of these" specifically refers to two items. If you are referring to more than two, you would use phrases like "all of these" or "these items".