both students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both students" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two students together, often to emphasize their shared characteristics or actions. Example: "Both students excelled in their final exams, demonstrating their hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were both students then.

The New Yorker

Both students lived off campus".

The New York Times

Both students are receiving counseling.

The New York Times

Both students also were fined $50.

The New York Times

Both students and teachers are environmentally challenged.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

These features support both students and professionals.

Neural Networks

One fabulous option for both students and professionals is Noteshelf.

The New York Times - Tech

Both students were impressed by Mr. Dassinger's class.

The New York Times

Graduate students who teach classes are both students and employees.

The New York Times

Pants on both students from the Wesleyan Athletic Department.

The New York Times

"It's something both students and academics have been asking about".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both students" to emphasize a shared trait, action, or experience that applies equally to the two individuals. This highlights their connection or similarity.

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with "both students". Remember that "both" indicates a plural subject, so use plural verb forms such as "were" instead of "was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both students" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a common noun, collectively acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its use to denote two specific students, highlighting their shared attributes or involvement in a particular action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "both students" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to two students, often emphasizing a shared characteristic or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. As detailed, it's crucial to use plural verb forms with this phrase and ensure clarity regarding which two students are being referenced. The phrase finds its primary usage in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While "both students" is perfectly acceptable, alternatives like "the two students" or "these two students" can offer slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two students

Replaces "both" with "the two", focusing on the number of students.

the pair of students

Emphasizes the students as a pair or couple.

these two students

Uses a demonstrative pronoun to specify which students are being referred to.

the two pupils

Replaces "students" with the synonym "pupils".

each of the two students

Highlights individuality within the pair.

the two learners

Replaces "students" with the synonym "learners".

both scholars

Replaces "students" with "scholars", suggesting a higher level of academic achievement.

the students in question

Refers to two students already mentioned or under discussion.

the aforementioned students

Formally refers to two students previously mentioned.

the respective students

Implies each student has a specific role or connection to something else that's been mentioned.

FAQs

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

You can use "both students" to refer to two students together, often to emphasize a shared quality or action. For example: "Both students excelled in their final exams".

What can I say instead of "both students"?

Alternatives to "both students" include "the two students", "the pair of students", or "these two students depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "both of the students" instead of "both students"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "both students" is generally more concise and common. "Both of the students" can be used for emphasis or when it sounds more natural in a particular sentence structure.

When should I use "each of the students" instead of "both students"?

Use "each of the students" when you want to emphasize the individuality of the students and their separate actions or qualities. Use "both students" when you want to highlight something they share or do together.