both sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two subjects that have pursued or desired the same thing. Example: "In their quest for knowledge, both sought the guidance of experienced mentors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

In the 1921 election, Boyle both sought re-election in Sturgeon and election in the new multi-member constituency of Edmonton.

Wikipedia

Crabb and Gove have given similar assurances, as both sought to differentiate themselves from May.

The Guardian

The company said both sought information about stock trading before the Jan . 3announcement.

The New York Times

The American Petroleum Institute and the American Trucking Association have both sought delays or revisions.

The New York Times

Both sought to dominate hip-hop as it went mainstream in the mid-90s.

The Guardian - Music

The film and drug industries have both sought to recruit him as a lobbyist.

The New York Times

Both sought ways to insulate economic decision-making from popular pressure.

The Economist

Both sought to bring their parties closer to the centre; both abhor the European Union's wastefulness.

The Economist

T-Mobile and its larger rival, Sprint Nextel, have both sought customers seeking lower-cost plans.

The New York Times

Their marriage in 1950, after both sought divorces from their first spouses, was annulled in 1958.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both sought", ensure that the subjects are clearly defined and that the object of their pursuit is also clear to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "both sought" when referring to more than two subjects. If there are more than two entities involved, consider using phrases like "all sought" or "they all sought".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both sought" functions as a conjunction phrase, typically connecting two subjects (nouns or pronouns) to a verb expressing a shared action of seeking or desiring something. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both sought" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the shared pursuit of a goal by two entities. As stated by Ludwig AI, this is a correct way to express it. It appears most commonly in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki articles, with a neutral tone suitable for various formal and informal contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the subjects and the object of their pursuit. For scenarios involving more than two entities, alternatives like "all sought" are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they both desired

Emphasizes the longing or wish of both parties.

both strived

Emphasizes the effort and determination of both parties.

both were in pursuit of

Focuses on the act of seeking.

each aimed

Focuses on the individual intention of each party.

each looked for

Focuses on the action of seeking.

both were after

Focuses on what they were pursuing.

each endeavored

Implies a serious and determined attempt by both.

they jointly pursued

Highlights the collaborative aspect of the pursuit.

they all aspired to

Focuses on a high goal

they all competed for

Highlights a competition over something

FAQs

How do I use "both sought" in a sentence?

Use "both sought" to indicate that two distinct entities were attempting to obtain the same thing. For example, "The film and drug industries have "both sought" to recruit him as a lobbyist".

What are some alternatives to "both sought"?

Alternatives include "each aimed", "they all desired", or "they jointly pursued", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example: "Each aimed to impress the judges with their unique skills".

Is it correct to use "both sought" when more than two entities are involved?

No, "both sought" specifically refers to two entities. For more than two, use phrases like "all sought" or "they all sought".

What is the difference between "both sought" and "each sought"?

"Both sought" implies a shared target or goal pursued together, while "each sought" emphasizes individual efforts toward potentially different goals. If two parties were seeking to achieve the same outcome, use "both"; if their aims differed, use "each".