both parents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both parents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two individuals who are the parents of a child or children. Example: "Both parents attended the school meeting to discuss their child's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both parents do.

The New York Times

Both parents nodded.

The New Yorker

Both parents radiated parenthood.

The New Yorker

Both parents were Democrats.

The New York Times

Both parents became Quakers.

The New Yorker

With both parents.

The New Yorker

Seldom are both parents murdered.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Both parents had died young).

The New Yorker

Both parents should make wills.

Independent

Both parents were amateur musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

Both parents work.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations where parental roles or responsibilities are shared, using "both parents" emphasizes that care and duties are not solely the responsibility of one parent.

Common error

Avoid making assumptions about the gender of "both parents". Use gender-neutral language unless the context specifically requires gender identification.

Linguistic Context

"Both parents" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies two individuals in their role as parents. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts, indicating a universally understood function as stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Science

18%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both parents" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for referring to two individuals who are the parents of a child or children. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals a neutral tone, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communications. Common usage scenarios include discussions in news media, family-related topics, and legal contexts. Therefore, writers can confidently use "both parents" when clear and inclusive language is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mother and father

Replaces "parents" with the specific terms for each parent, adding clarity.

two parents

More explicit numerical reference to the parental figures.

parental figures

A broader term that includes non-biological parents.

legal guardians

Focuses on legal responsibility rather than biological relationship.

both caregivers

Highlights the caregiving role of both parents.

dual-parent household

Focuses on the structure of the family unit.

both progenitors

A more formal term referring to the biological parents.

joint parents

Suggests a shared or cooperative parenting approach.

either parent

Emphasizes the individual actions or responsibilities of each parent.

each parent

Similar to 'either parent,' emphasizing individual parental roles.

FAQs

How do I use "both parents" in a sentence?

You can use "both parents" to refer to the mother and father of a child or children. For example, "Both parents attended the meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "both parents"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "mother and father", "two parents", or "legal guardians".

Is it correct to use "both parents" when referring to same-sex parents?

Yes, "both parents" is perfectly acceptable and inclusive when referring to same-sex parents, as it accurately describes the parental relationship regardless of gender.

When should I use "both parents" instead of "either parent"?

"Both parents" should be used when you want to emphasize that something applies to or involves both parents together. "Either parent" is used when you want to indicate that something applies to one parent or the other individually.