both school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both school" is not correct in English as it lacks context and clarity.
It can be used when referring to two specific schools, but it typically requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "Both school events were well attended this year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

School absenteeism is a broader term that includes both school refusal and truancy.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

What's more, apprenticeships are rapidly gaining in popularity among both school leavers and employers.

The Guardian

Good-spirited people in both school sectors are working hard to build a more united society.

The Guardian - Opinion

Columbine intensified a debate over both school violence and gun control.

The New York Times

"Staff and police have searched both school buildings and nothing untoward was found.

Independent

It may increase the statewide gap between blacks and whites in both school performance and wealth".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Now Barley is passing on his experiences in classes for both school-age players and professional performers.

The Guardian

Parental involvement may be both school- and parent-initiated (Driessen et al. [2005]; Fantuzzo et al. [2000]).

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

According to NHS Choices, nut allergies, including peanuts, are relatively common in both school-aged children and adults.

BBC

Analyses of the determinants of added value suggest that both school-level and pupil-level characteristics are important [4], [21].

Plosone

To involve parents, both school- and home-based activities were mentioned as good options.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that "both" is followed by a plural noun (e.g., "both schools") to indicate that you are referring to two specific institutions. If you mean the school and something else, complete the sentence (e.g. "both school and home").

Common error

Avoid using "both school" without specifying what "both" refers to. It can sound incomplete and unclear. Always clarify the two elements being compared or considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both school" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, but its usage is often incomplete and grammatically questionable as Ludwig AI states. It typically requires additional context to make sense. In many examples the sentences are completed as: "both school and home".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both school" is grammatically questionable, often requiring additional context to be meaningful. As Ludwig AI highlights, it typically needs to be completed (e.g., "both school and home"). When referring to two distinct schools, using the plural form "both schools" is preferable. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate varied usage, but clarity is key. Ensure that the phrase is completed with additional words or context for greater clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both schools

Plural form for referring to two specific schools.

both institutions

Replaces "school" with a more generic term for educational establishments.

both campuses

Focuses on the physical locations of two schools.

both academic sectors

Emphasizes the academic aspect and uses a broader term.

both the school and the...

Completes the phrase by adding a second element for comparison.

both in school and...

Shows to be a part of wider comparison: "both in school and..."

both the primary and secondary school

Explicitly names two stages of school.

both education facilities

Replaces 'school' with synonym and emphasizes on educational side.

the two schools

Uses definite article and avoids any abbreviation.

the school in general

Talking about the school in overall.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct way to use "both school" in a sentence?

Instead of "both school", use "both schools" when referring to two specific schools. For comparisons, use "both school and..." to complete the phrase.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "both school"?

The phrase "both school" is rarely appropriate by itself. It needs context, such as "both school districts" or "both school and home". Without this, it's grammatically incomplete.

What can I say instead of "both school" to refer to educational institutions?

Consider alternatives like "both institutions" or "both campuses" for broader applicability. If referring to specific levels, use "both primary and secondary school".

Is there a difference in meaning between "both school" and "both schools"?

Yes. "Both schools" refers to two specific school buildings or entities. The phrase "both school" is ungrammatical unless completed with another element for comparison, like in "both school and work".