both very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both very" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize two qualities or characteristics that are significant or noteworthy. Example: "The project was both very challenging and very rewarding for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're both very good.

The New York Times - Sports

We're both very stubborn".

The Guardian - Sport

They're both very funny.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We're both very energetic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're both very young.

The New York Times - Sports

They're both very nice".

The Guardian - Sport

"They're both very equal.

The New York Times - Sports

We were both very nice".

The New York Times

"They're both very well kempt.

The New Yorker

They're both very gung-ho.

The New York Times - Books

They're both very tough guys.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both very" to emphasize a shared quality or characteristic between two subjects, ensuring clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "both very" when a single, stronger adjective would suffice. For example, instead of "both very good", consider using "excellent" to create a more concise and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both very" functions as an intensifier, modifying adjectives to emphasize a shared quality. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples demonstrate its use in highlighting shared characteristics, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both very" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction employed to emphasize shared qualities or characteristics between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media. To enhance writing impact, consider stronger single-word adjectives where appropriate. While the phrase is versatile, writers should be mindful of potential redundancy and aim for conciseness. Common usage includes contexts where highlighting similarities is essential for clarity and emphasis. The most authoritative sources confirm the phrase's widespread use and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very similar

A more direct way of saying they share a high degree of similarity.

extremely similar

Replaces "both very" with a single adjective indicating a high degree of similarity.

remarkably similar

Highlights the surprising or noteworthy aspect of the similarity.

highly comparable

Suggests a high degree of likeness, emphasizing the ability to compare the two subjects.

significantly the same

Emphasizes that the similarities are important or meaningful.

quite alike

Indicates a notable degree of resemblance between the two.

distinct in both cases

Emphasizes differences are present in both subjects considered.

fairly dissimilar

Indicates a moderate level of difference.

notably distinct

Highlights the differences, indicating they are worth mentioning.

quite different

Emphasizes the contrast between two subjects.

FAQs

How can I use "both very" in a sentence?

The phrase "both very" is used to emphasize that two subjects share a particular characteristic or quality to a significant degree. For example, "They are "both very talented"" indicates that two people possess a high level of talent.

What are some alternatives to using "both very"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely similar", "highly comparable", or "quite alike" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "both very" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "both very" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize a shared attribute. However, consider whether a stronger, single adjective might be more impactful in certain contexts.

What's the difference between saying "both very good" and "both excellent"?

While "both very good" is acceptable, "both excellent" is often more concise and impactful. "Excellent" is a stronger adjective that directly conveys the high quality you want to express, reducing redundancy.