cards to both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cards to both" is not a complete or standard expression in written English, but it can be understood in context.
It can be used when referring to distributing or giving cards to two parties or individuals. Example: "Please make sure to send the birthday cards to both of them."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The referee that night made no allowance for the provocation and gave yellow cards to both for their touchline squabble.

The New York Times - Sports

Mason also calmly and decisively broke up a scuffle between Oscar and Nani, awarding yellow cards to both players.

BBC

Deal five cards to both players- this is known as the "bank".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

John Kerry did send a card to both Jeanie and me, but I really think there is an ill-at-ease sense among activist Democrats about the "warriors" because of opposition to the war.

The New Yorker

For example, you can make a "Welcome Home" card with the child, spending quality time during the making and also making a big deal out of giving the card to both mother and baby.

WikiHow

You will need enough available credit on your card to handle both.

The Guardian - Money

Each MentalPhysics box will be accessible in several ways, including infrared ports, radio frequencies or smart cards, to accommodate both national and local deliveries.

Forbes

One option, for example, could be to add on more financial services building on its current business model: for example working with retailers to launch own-brand credit cards to use both in-store as well as online.

TechCrunch

Use credit cards, not ATM cards, to shop both in stores and online.

Huffington Post

There were clearly ample numbers of underage voters who had obtained registration cards, to judge by both their faces and in some cases their confessions, although one could argue that moving from child soldiers to child voters marked some form of progress.

The New York Times

With Preston failing to convert their chances, frustration spilled over and the referee showed straight red cards to Doyle and Beckford – both for violent conduct – in the 90th minute.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to giving something to two specific individuals, consider using "cards for both" or "cards addressed to both" for improved clarity and naturalness. These alternatives are often preferred over "cards to both".

Common error

Avoid assuming "to" always clearly indicates the recipient. In the phrase, ensure the context explicitly supports the preposition "to" referring to two identified recipients. Otherwise, a phrase such as "cards for both" may avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cards to both" functions as a noun phrase that implies direction or distribution. It references sending or giving "cards" to two recipients. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is acceptable but not always the most elegant, suggesting other alternatives might provide enhanced clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cards to both" refers to the act of distributing cards to two recipients. Ludwig AI indicates that while the phrase is understandable, it may not be the most polished or common choice. As a noun phrase, it functions to describe this distribution, often within a larger context of an action involving those recipients.

Based on the limited examples found by Ludwig, usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. For improved clarity and a more natural tone, "cards for both" or "cards addressed to both" are generally recommended. This ensures the intention and direction are unmistakably clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cards for both

Uses "for" instead of "to" to indicate intended recipients, which is a slightly more common and clearer construction.

cards addressed to both

Specifies that the cards are explicitly directed to both parties, adding clarity.

cards to each

Uses "each" instead of "both" to emphasize individual recipients within a group of two.

cards for each of them

More explicit about the distribution of cards to individual members of a duo.

send cards to both

Adds the verb "send" to describe the action of distributing cards, making the phrase more complete.

give cards to both

Uses the verb "give" instead of "send" to describe providing cards, indicating a different mode of delivery.

cards delivered to both

Passive voice construction emphasizing the delivery of the cards to both recipients.

cards intended for both

Focuses on the purpose or intention behind the cards being for both recipients.

cards sent to both individuals

Replaces "both" with "both individuals" for emphasis and precision.

cards distributed to both recipients

Uses "distributed" to indicate a more formal or organized method of giving out the cards, with added precision by using 'recipients'.

FAQs

What's a more common alternative to "cards to both"?

A more common alternative is "cards for both". This phrasing is generally considered more natural and grammatically sound in English.

How can I make the phrase "cards to both" more specific?

You can make the phrase more specific by saying "cards addressed to both". This clarifies that the cards are specifically intended for both recipients.

Is there a subtle difference between "cards to both" and "cards for both"?

While both phrases are understandable, "cards for both" often implies a sense of intention or purpose, suggesting the cards are meant to benefit or be used by both recipients. "Cards to both" simply indicates direction.

When might "cards to both" be acceptable, despite other alternatives?

Although less common, "cards to both" could be acceptable in contexts where brevity is prioritized and the meaning is clear from the surrounding text. However, it's still generally recommended to use "cards for both" or another alternative.