both so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both so" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear in what context it could be used, as it lacks a complete structure or clarity. Example: "I find both so interesting" does not make sense without additional context.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're both so competitive.

The New York Times - Sports

I like them both so much.

The New York Times - Sports

We were both so stubborn.

The New York Times

We were both so happy".

The New York Times - Sports

Both so far have been fascinating!

Columbia University

I love you both so much.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They're both so stubborn," Caesar said.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're both so different," Castro said.

The Washington Post

We were both so angry and drained.

The New York Times

Francesca: Thank you both so much for being here today.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"We were both so incredibly frank with each other.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both", ensure it is followed by a word that completes the intended meaning, like "very", "equally", or an adjective that clearly describes what "both" refers to. For example, "They are both very talented" is clearer than "They are both so."

Common error

Avoid using "both so" without a clear adjective or adverb to complete the comparison. This can lead to ambiguity and make your writing unclear. Instead, provide a complete description such as "both so happy" or "both so relieved."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both so" functions as an intensifier when used before an adjective, aiming to amplify the quality being described. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it often lacks the necessary grammatical completeness, making it somewhat ambiguous on its own.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

11%

Lifestyle

6%

Less common in

Film

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "both so" is frequently used, particularly in news and media, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect due to its incomplete structure. The phrase often serves to intensify a shared characteristic, but it's crucial to ensure clarity by completing the phrase with an appropriate adjective or considering alternatives like "both very" or "both equally". Despite its commonality, particularly amongst the authoritative sources, using clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both equally

Replaces "so" with "equally" to emphasize equal distribution or degree.

both very

Substitutes "so" with "very" to amplify the adjective that follows.

both extremely

Uses "extremely" instead of "so" for a stronger emphasis on the intensity.

both quite

Replaces "so" with "quite" for a milder emphasis.

both remarkably

Employs "remarkably" instead of "so" to highlight an exceptional quality.

both unusually

Substitutes "so" with "unusually" to indicate something out of the ordinary.

both intensely

Uses "intensely" for a more profound emphasis on the degree of something.

both considerably

Replaces "so" with "considerably" to suggest a noticeable amount or degree.

both significantly

Employs "significantly" instead of "so" to emphasize a notable effect or importance.

both impressively

Substitutes "so" with "impressively" to showcase a quality that inspires admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "both so" correctly in a sentence?

While Ludwig AI identifies "both so" as grammatically incorrect, it commonly appears with an adjective, such as "both so happy". To ensure clarity, consider alternatives like "both very" or "both equally" followed by an adjective.

What phrases can I use instead of "both so"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "both very", "both extremely", or "both equally" to express a similar sentiment with greater grammatical accuracy.

Why is "both so" sometimes considered grammatically incorrect?

"Both so" often lacks a clear adjective or adverb to complete its meaning, making it ambiguous. While commonly used, especially in informal contexts, it doesn't always adhere to standard grammatical structures, as noted by Ludwig AI.

What is the difference between "both so happy" and "both very happy"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "both very happy" is generally considered more grammatically sound. "Both so happy" can be perceived as slightly less formal, but it's crucial to ensure your usage fits the overall tone and style of your writing.