both of you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both of you" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two people who are being addressed together. For example: "Both of you need to finish your homework before dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Both of you.

The New Yorker

Both of you blinked.

The New Yorker

Both of you are smiling.

The New Yorker

I love both of you.

The New York Times

And both of you behave.

The New Yorker

I like both of you".

The New Yorker

The both of you.

The New Yorker

TYRONE: Oh, both of you here.

The New Yorker

"That's enough from both of you".

The New Yorker

Welcome to the Swamp, both of you.

The New York Times

It's good for both of you".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing two people, ensure that the context is clear and that the phrase "both of you" accurately reflects the intended audience. Avoid using it when referring to more than two individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "both of you" when addressing a group of more than two people. This can cause confusion and miscommunication. Use "all of you" or address the specific individuals instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both of you" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a pronoun, acting as a direct address. It specifies that the statement or question is directed at two individuals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both of you" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to address two individuals directly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While it's generally neutral to informal, it's best suited for everyday conversations and news reporting. When addressing more than two people, alternative phrases like "all of you" are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you two

This is a more informal and direct way of addressing two people.

the pair of you

This phrase emphasizes the two individuals as a unit.

the two of you

Similar to "the pair of you", this highlights the duality.

you both

A slightly less common but still valid phrasing.

all of you (referring to only two)

While "all of you" usually implies more than two, it can be used if the context makes it clear only two are being addressed.

each of you

This phrase focuses on the individual action or responsibility of each person.

you folks

A colloquial way to address two people, implying a friendly tone.

you guys

Informal and often used in casual conversation.

the two of them

Refers to two people in the third person, rather than directly addressing them.

you, jointly

Emphasizes that the individuals are considered together, often for a shared responsibility.

FAQs

How do I use "both of you" in a sentence?

Use "both of you" when directly addressing two people to indicate that what you are saying applies to them equally. For example, "Both of you need to be ready by 8 AM".

What is a more informal alternative to "both of you"?

A more informal alternative to "both of you" is "you two". This is suitable for casual conversations with people you know well.

Is it correct to say "both you" instead of "both of you"?

No, it is not grammatically correct to say "both you". The correct phrasing is "both of you", which includes the preposition "of" to properly link "both" to "you".

When should I use "each of you" versus "both of you"?

"Each of you" is used when referring to the individuals separately, emphasizing individual actions or responsibilities. "Both of you" is used when referring to the two individuals together, emphasizing a shared action or characteristic.