contains both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contains both" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that includes two or more elements or components. Example: "The recipe contains both flour and sugar, which are essential for baking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Red meat contains both.

The Economist

YA contains both.

The Guardian

"Peaky Blinders" contains both.

The Washington Post

Zoroastrianism contains both monotheistic and dualistic features.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She contains both madness and talent.

The Guardian - Books

The downloadable spreadsheet contains both tables below.

The Guardian

Chocolate contains both serotonin and tryptophan.

The Washington Post

Her own mix, Hay Fever Super Boost, contains both.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nottingham Contemporary's exhibition contains both old and new work.

The Guardian - Arts

Each of these five features contains both upsides and challenges.

Harvard Business Review

A power reactor contains both fissile and fertile materials.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contains both", ensure that the items being included are clearly defined and relevant to the subject. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contains both" when it's obvious that multiple items are being referred to. For example, instead of saying "The basket contains both apples and oranges, as well as fruit", simply state "The basket contains apples, oranges, and other fruit."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contains both" functions as a transitive verb phrase indicating that a subject includes two specific elements. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage across diverse contexts, such as describing the content of documents or the composition of materials. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contains both" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something includes two specific elements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a transitive verb phrase with a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in scientific and news media sources. While alternatives like "includes both" or "comprises both" exist, "contains both" remains a clear and concise choice for specifying the composition of a subject. It's crucial to ensure that the included items are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Avoid redundancy by only using the phrase when the inclusion of multiple items isn't already obvious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

includes these elements

This alternative replaces "contains both" with a direct statement of inclusion, specifying 'these elements'.

incorporates the following

This phrase suggests a more deliberate integration of elements, rather than simple containment.

features a combination of

This option emphasizes the combined presence of different components.

is comprised of

This suggests that the components form the whole structure.

encompasses a range of

This implies a broader scope, suggesting the inclusion of a variety of items.

integrates multiple aspects

Focuses on the integration of different aspects into a unified whole.

consists of diverse components

Highlights the diverse nature of the included components.

holds a mixture of

Suggests a blend of different items or qualities.

presents a dual nature

Implies that there are two distinct elements or aspects.

combines different facets

Highlights the combination of different aspects, often used in abstract contexts.

FAQs

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

The phrase "contains both" is used to indicate that something includes two specific elements. For instance, "The article "contains both" factual information and opinion" shows that the article presents these two types of content.

What's a good alternative to "contains both"?

Alternatives include phrases like "includes both", "comprises both", or "features both". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "contain both" instead of "contains both"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "contains both" with singular subjects (e.g., "The document contains both...") and "contain both" with plural subjects (e.g., "The boxes contain both...").

What is the difference between "includes both" and "contains both"?

"Contains both" and "includes both" are largely interchangeable. "Contains" might suggest a physical holding, while "includes" can refer to more abstract inclusions, but in most contexts, the meaning is the same.