both refer to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both refer to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to draw a comparison between two things that have a similar meaning or refer to the same thing. Example: "Both the terms 'employee' and 'staff member' refer to someone who works for a company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

President Obama and David Cameron both refer to Isil (presumambly to avoid references to Syria) but some newspapers, including the Observer, persist in reporting them referring to Isis.

The Guardian

Both refer to his "messy childhood".

The Guardian

both refer to the same shape.

Harvard University

Both refer to the family, and both incorporate suffering.

The New York Times

By mutual agreement, both refer to the Kytlice home as "our house".

The Guardian

"Saule Pleurer" and "Palm Blatt" both refer to plants in Mr. Sonnier's native Louisiana.

The New York Times

Both refer to rights that cannot be taken away or transferred.

The Washington Post

Alexithymia and anhedonia both refer to a deficit in emotion regulation.

L'Encéphale

The Bots's love of music came from their dad, a computer technician, although both refer to him performing "surveillance" work.

The Guardian - Music

The menu offers tapas and appetizers; since both refer to food in small portions, the distinction seems silly.

The New York Times

They both refer to the principle of modesty, and for some are a statement of religious and cultural identity.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both refer to" to clearly establish a shared meaning or subject between two distinct terms or concepts. This is especially useful in academic and technical writing for defining terms and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "both refer to" when discussing more than two items. For multiple subjects, use phrases like "all refer to" or "these terms collectively refer to" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both refer to" functions as a linking phrase, establishing a connection between two distinct subjects by indicating they share a common reference. This serves to clarify meaning, avoid ambiguity, and highlight similarities between concepts, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both refer to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight a shared reference between two subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a linking phrase, essential for clarity in various contexts, including Science, Academia, News & Media, and Encyclopedias. While maintaining a neutral register, it effectively defines and clarifies terms, ensuring mutual understanding. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to limit the comparison to precisely two items to prevent grammatical errors. To add variety to your writing, alternatives such as "both relate to" or "both pertain to" can be used, depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both relate to

This suggests a broader connection or association, rather than a specific reference.

both pertain to

This is a more formal alternative, indicating relevance or connection to a particular subject.

both allude to

This alternative implies a more indirect or suggestive reference compared to the directness of "refer to".

both concern

This indicates that the subjects are about the same topic or issue.

both apply to

This alternative suggests the reference involves a shared application or relevance.

both connect to

Highlights the connection, or the relationship the subjects have to each other, instead of a direct reference.

both touch on

This implies a brief or superficial reference to the same thing.

both allude

This alternative suggest the reference involves an implicit and indirect mention.

both involve

This alternative indicates that the same thing is a necessary part or condition of the subjects.

both imply

This means that they suggest or indirectly express the same thing.

FAQs

How can I use "both refer to" in a sentence?

Use "both refer to" to indicate that two terms, concepts, or ideas share a common reference. For example, "'Global warming' and 'climate change' "both refer to" the increase in Earth's average surface temperature".

What's the difference between "both refer to" and "both relate to"?

"Both refer to" implies a direct and specific connection in meaning or denotation. "Both relate to" suggests a broader, less direct association or connection. Use "both refer to" when precision in meaning is important.

What are some alternatives to "both refer to"?

You can use alternatives like "both relate to", "both pertain to", or "both allude to" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "both refer to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "both refer to" is used to connect two subjects that share a common referent or meaning. It's important to ensure that only two subjects are being compared to maintain clarity.