both sides are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both sides are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two opposing viewpoints, parties, or aspects of a situation to indicate that both have a certain quality or characteristic. Example: "In this debate, both sides are presenting valid arguments that deserve consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Both sides are mad.

The New York Times

Both sides are wrong.

The New York Times

Both sides are stuck".

The New York Times

Both sides are against it.

The Economist

Both sides are very interesting.

The New York Times

Both sides are at fault.

The New York Times

Both sides are deeply conservative.

The Economist

Both sides are probably wrong.

The New York Times

Both sides are being disingenuous.

The Economist

Both sides are confident.

The New York Times - Sports

Both sides are behaving badly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both sides are", ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the "sides" represent to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "both sides of the argument" or "both sides of the negotiation".

Common error

Avoid using "both sides are" without providing sufficient context. Overgeneralizing can lead to misinterpretations. Instead, be specific about the entities or perspectives you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both sides are" functions as a connector to introduce a shared attribute, action, or condition between two identified entities, parties, or viewpoints. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both sides are" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to indicate a shared attribute or condition between two entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news and media, requiring users to provide clear context to avoid overgeneralization. While adaptable across registers, its best practice involves specifying what the "sides" represent to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Common errors involve lacking context and over generalization, so it is crucial to be explicit on which entities are being referred to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two parties are

This alternative replaces "sides" with "parties", emphasizing a more formal or structured relationship between the entities.

the two perspectives are

This alternative substitutes "sides" with "perspectives", highlighting differing viewpoints on a topic.

both groups are

This alternative replaces "sides" with "groups", suggesting a collection of individuals or entities.

either party is

This alternative focuses on one party at a time, implying a consideration of each separately.

the opposing factions are

This alternative, using "opposing factions", suggests a more contentious or adversarial relationship.

the competitors are

Using "competitors" highlights a situation where two entities are vying for the same goal or outcome.

the counterparts are

This alternative, using "counterparts", emphasizes a similarity or equivalence in role or function.

the two entities are

This alternative, using "entities", is a more general term applicable to a broader range of subjects.

the opposing camps are

This alternative uses "camps" to depict sides as structured and possibly ideological groups.

each party involved is

This alternative provides a longer, more explicit emphasis on inclusivity and separate consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "both sides are" in a sentence?

You can use "both sides are" to indicate a shared characteristic, action, or state between two entities or viewpoints. For example, "In this conflict, "both sides are" deeply entrenched in their positions".

What are some alternatives to "both sides are"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the two parties are", "the two perspectives are", or "either party is".

Is it always appropriate to use "both sides are"?

While generally acceptable, using "both sides are" might not be appropriate if there's a significant power imbalance or moral asymmetry between the "sides". In such cases, a more nuanced description might be necessary.

What's the difference between "both sides are" and "all sides are"?

"Both sides are" refers specifically to two entities or viewpoints, while "all sides are" implies there are more than two. Using the correct phrase depends on the number of entities or viewpoints you are discussing.