by both

USAGE SUMMARY

"by both" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that two people or groups are involved in some activity or situation. For example: "The teacher and the student worked together to complete the assignment, by both providing input."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obama got blindsided by both.

The New York Times

He comes honestly by both.

The New York Times - Arts

"I've been appalled by both.

The Guardian

By both teams.

The Guardian - Sport

Predeceased by both daughter Nora and (Oskar).

The New York Times

Investigations are under way by both sides.

The New York Times

It has been rejected by both sides.

The Economist

Hunted by both CSA and USA".

The New York Times

or by both such fine and imprisonment.

The New Yorker

Laws must be adopted by both houses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some ropey defending by both sides.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by both" to clearly indicate that two specific entities are involved in an action or affected by a situation. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by both" when referring to more than two entities. Instead, use phrases like "by all" or "by each of the three" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by both" primarily functions as a prepositional modifier, indicating that an action, characteristic, or state is associated with or performed by two specific entities. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by both" functions as a versatile prepositional modifier, commonly used to indicate that an action or attribute applies to two specific entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across news, encyclopedias, and other contexts make it a reliable choice for clear and concise writing. While alternatives exist, such as "by the two" or "from both", "by both" remains a preferred option due to its directness and neutrality. Remember to avoid using it when referring to more than two entities to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the two

Focuses on the numerical aspect of two entities.

by each

Emphasizes individual action by two parties.

from both

Highlights origin or source of something.

in conjunction

Suggests a more formal or structured collaboration.

mutually

Indicates reciprocal action or agreement.

together

Implies combined or shared effort.

in cooperation

Highlights collaborative effort toward a common goal.

bilaterally

Used in formal contexts, especially for agreements or relationships.

on both sides

Emphasizes perspectives or actions from two distinct groups.

by the pair

Refers to a set of two acting as a unit.

FAQs

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

Use "by both" to indicate that an action, quality, or characteristic applies to two specific entities. For instance, "The decision was influenced "by both" parents."

What are some alternatives to saying "by both"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "by the two", "from both", or "on both sides".

Which is correct, "by both" or "by the two"?

"By both" and "by the two" are often interchangeable, but "by both" is more common and generally preferred. "By the two" may be used when emphasizing the numerical aspect.

Is it grammatically correct to use "by both"?

Yes, "by both" is grammatically correct when used to indicate that two specific entities are involved. However, it's essential to ensure the context clearly refers to only two subjects.