both seeks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both seeks" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used when referring to two subjects that are pursuing or trying to obtain something, but it requires a proper subject to precede it. Example: "The organization both seeks funding and aims to raise awareness about the issue."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Like Maureen, he both seeks and dreads the apparition that awaits.

The New Yorker

There is a paradox at the heart of cultural sociology, which both seeks to explain behavior in broad, categorical terms and promises to respect its subjects' autonomy and intelligence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Police and public health officials both seek to protect individuals and make our communities safer.

The New York Times

By Jill Lepore Always in debt, Poe both sought and sneered at the popular audience of his day.

The New Yorker

The Kids Are All Right was hoping for a Thelma & Louise-style two-fer, with Julianne Moore and Annette Bening both seeking Best Actress nominations.

Huffington Post

"Aren't both seeking inspiration?

The New York Times

But both seek the same goal.

The New York Times

Both seek to embrace the human condition.

The Guardian - Books

Avante and Liberty are both seeking state certification.

The New York Times

Both seek to enliven a repertory awash in antiques.

The New York Times - Arts

And both seek an early return to strict budget discipline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure the verb agrees with the subject. If you are referring to "both", use the plural form of the verb: "both seek".

Common error

Avoid using the singular form of the verb with "both". "Both seeks" is grammatically incorrect; use "both seek" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both seeks" is typically intended to function as a verb phrase indicating a shared action or intention between two subjects. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the construction is grammatically incorrect, requiring the plural verb form.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both seeks" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. While it appears in some contexts, particularly in News & Media, it is essential to use the correct plural form, "both seek", or alternative phrases to convey the intended meaning accurately. Ludwig AI highlights the grammatical issue, emphasizing the need for verb agreement. Always ensure that the verb agrees with the subject to maintain grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both seek

Corrects the grammatical error by using the plural form of the verb.

they both seek

Adds a subject to clarify who is seeking, resolving the grammatical issue.

both are seeking

Employs a continuous tense to describe an ongoing action by both entities.

they are both seeking

Combines a subject and continuous tense for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

each seeks

Shifts the focus to individual action, implying a similar goal for each party.

both pursue

Replaces "seeks" with a synonym that carries a similar meaning.

they both pursue

Replaces "seeks" with a synonym and adds a subject for clarity.

each pursues

Combines the change of the verb with the change of the subject for the same focus.

they both aim to

Uses "aim to" as a more explicit expression of intention.

both aspire to

Uses "aspire to" as a way to communicate ambition.

FAQs

What's the correct form, "both seeks" or "both seek"?

"Both seek" is the correct form. "Both" implies a plural subject, so the verb must be in its plural form. "Both seeks" is grammatically incorrect.

How can I rephrase "both seeks" to be grammatically correct?

You can say "they both seek", "both seek", or "both are seeking". Each variation provides the correct grammatical structure depending on the intended meaning.

Is "both seeks" ever acceptable in formal writing?

No, "both seeks" is not acceptable in formal writing. It's crucial to use the correct verb conjugation, which is "both seek".

What alternatives can I use instead of "both seeks" to express a similar idea?

Consider alternatives like "both aim", "both pursue", or "each seeks" to convey the intended meaning with better grammatical accuracy.