both yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both yes" is not standard or widely recognized in written English.
It may be used informally to affirm two positive responses or agreements, but it lacks clarity and is not commonly accepted. Example: "When asked if they would attend the event and contribute, their answer was both yes."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

A preliminary answer, based on the initial fallout of the revelations, published, last Thursday, by the glossy magazine Closer, is both yes and no.

The New Yorker

During the referendum on a European constitution, both yes and no camps argued that de Gaulle would have been on their side.

The Economist

At the moment, that answer is both yes and no.

The New York Times

Well, as can be expected, both yes and no.

Independent

If both yes and no, please be specific.

The Guardian - Books

Evidence from western cities answers both yes and no.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Both YES-2 and T.Tn cells had mutated p53 genes and were susceptible to Ad5/p53-mediated cytotoxicity [ 17].

BMC Cancer

These data collectively showed that both YES-2 and T.Tn cells were killed by IFN- λ2 secreted from P6X cells and subsequently the cell growth was inhibited.

British Journal of Cancer

has the property of being "equivalent to 'both yes or no', i.e. sometimes yes, sometimes no, with different degrees of oftenness attached".

Functional Linguistics

Here both, 'YES' and 'NO' responses resulted in a pattern as predicted by the error-likelihood model [44].

Plosone

Our results suggest that for both 'yes' and 'unsure' groups ethnic discrimination may be an important determinant of health and wellbeing.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When responding to multiple questions, avoid ambiguous short-hand and ensure your responses are clearly delineated. Instead of answering "both yes", specify which question you're answering affirmatively.

Common error

Avoid using "both yes" when the context requires a nuanced response. This phrase can be easily misinterpreted, especially when dealing with complex scenarios that demand more specific answers. Always elaborate to remove any potential ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both yes" functions as a response indicating affirmation to two separate inquiries or proposals. However, its grammatical structure is unconventional and potentially ambiguous. Ludwig identifies that while frequently used, it's advisable to adopt clearer alternatives for formal communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both yes" serves as a concise affirmative response to two inquiries, but its non-standard grammatical structure raises clarity issues. While frequently observed across diverse sources like news media and scientific publications, Ludwig identifies its grammatical status as incorrect. To enhance communication precision, opt for grammatically sound alternatives like ""yes to both"" or "affirmative to both", particularly in formal contexts. Using clearer formulations mitigates potential ambiguity and strengthens the overall impact of your writing. Thus, while readily used, prioritize clarity and accuracy over brevity by adopting correct grammar when answering in the affirmative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yes to both

This alternative offers a more direct and grammatically standard way to express affirmation to two separate inquiries or options.

affirmative to both

More formal alternative to express agreement to two preceding questions or suggestions.

a yes to both

Adds an article for grammatical clarity, emphasizing individual confirmation.

both are yes

Changes the structure slightly, but it still implies confirmation for two distinct items.

yes and yes

Reiterates a 'yes' response for each item, providing clarity and emphasis.

absolutely to both

Adds emphasis to the affirmative response, indicating strong agreement.

indeed to both

Another formal way to confirm agreement to two items or questions.

positive on both

Emphasizes a positive sentiment or confirmation regarding two distinct issues.

agreement on both

Highlights the act of agreeing, focusing on the consensus achieved for both.

confirmation for both

Focuses on the act of confirming, implying that there is solid support for two different things

FAQs

How can I use the idea of "both yes" in a grammatically correct sentence?

Instead of saying "both yes", you can rephrase it as "yes to both", which is clearer and grammatically standard. For example, "When asked if they would attend the meeting and contribute to the project, their answer was "yes to both"".

What alternatives can I use instead of "both yes" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, using phrases like "affirmative to both" or ""yes to both"" is more appropriate. These options provide clarity and maintain a professional tone.

Is it ever acceptable to use "both yes" in writing?

While "both yes" is frequently used, as the Ludwig AI shows, it's generally best to avoid it in formal writing. It may be acceptable in informal conversation, but always aim for clarity. Using alternatives like "yes to both" improves readability.

What's the difference between saying "both yes" and "yes and yes"?

While both phrases indicate agreement, "yes and yes" emphasizes each individual agreement more directly. "Both yes" can be interpreted as a shorter, less formal way to say the same thing, but it may lack clarity. It's often better to stick to grammatically correct sentences.