dear both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dear both" is not standard or commonly used in written English.
It may be intended as a form of address to two people, but it lacks clarity and is not widely recognized. Example: "Dear both, I hope this message finds you well."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His story is cherished by later Persian, Turkish, and Urdu poets; as a symbol of complete surrender to the force of love, he is dear both to religious mystics and to secular poets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a profession that holds dear both the ability to vivisect politicians in prose and the expectation that these carved-up subjects will not complain, the media is horribly thin-skinned and vengeance-seeking when on the receiving end of criticism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Only twice in championship history have England gone in search of a clean sweep against their nearest and less-than-dearest, both times in London.

Independent

Mackie cites the Portuguese missionary João dos Santos, who in 1609 wrote of a group inland from Mogadishu who had a "custome to sew up their Females, especially their slaves being young to make them unable for conception, which makes these slaves sell dearer, both for their chastitie, and for better confidence which their Masters put in them".

Wikipedia

Dear, dear, dear.

Independent

DEAR JOHN Both candidates have been seeking the endorsement of John Edwards, who dropped out of the race.

The New York Times

As much as this view of parenthood is a fantasy, it is one held dear by both grown-ups and their offspring, including my parents and me.

The New York Times

A few years later, the new third republic was using words dear to both Marat and Robespierre as its slogan: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity".

The Guardian - Books

If no agreement was reached, spending dear to both sides (on defence, in the Republicans' case, and on almost everything else, in the Democrats') was to be cut by $1.2 trillion.

The Economist

From prison — this much Ronnie told me himself — he had written to Birkett, and, in the sporting spirit dear to both of them, congratulated the great barrister on his performance.

The New Yorker

"Just quickly, dear". They both spoke at once, saying they mustn't keep her, and when she hurried away Cecilia heard the voices continuing, a monotone kept low, hardly changing from one voice to the other.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For indicating shared affection or value, rephrase as "something dear to both of us" or "an idea cherished by both parties".

Common error

Avoid using "dear both" as a direct address as it's grammatically unconventional. Instead, use "dear [Name 1] and [Name 2]" or "dear colleagues".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear both" functions primarily as an attempt at a direct address, though it's grammatically unconventional. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage lacks clarity and is not widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dear both" is an uncommon and grammatically questionable construction. While "dear" is often used in greetings, combining it directly with "both" is non-standard. As Ludwig AI points out, clearer alternatives exist for addressing or referring to two people, such as "dear friends" or phrases using ""dear to both"". Due to its infrequency and potential for ambiguity, it's best to avoid "dear both" in favor of more conventional phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dear to both

This alternative includes a preposition and is more grammatically correct, indicating affection or importance shared by two entities.

beloved by both

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being loved by two entities, changing the focus from dearness to affection.

esteemed by both

This phrase conveys a sense of respect and high regard held by two parties, altering the nuance to formal appreciation.

valued by both

This highlights the worth or importance placed on something by two entities, emphasizing appreciation.

cherished by both

This suggests a deep affection and protectiveness held by two individuals, adding an emotional dimension.

respected by both

This option emphasizes admiration and consideration from two entities, indicating a sense of professional or social regard.

adored by both

This conveys intense love and admiration felt by two people, making it a stronger expression of affection.

close to both

This indicates a sense of intimacy and personal connection with both entities, focusing on relationship proximity.

special to both

This denotes uniqueness or particular significance for two entities, emphasizing individual importance.

important to both

This highlights the significance or relevance for two parties, focusing on practical value or consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "dear" correctly when addressing two people?

Instead of "dear both", use phrases like "dear [Name 1] and [Name 2]" or "dear colleagues". If you're referring to something that is important to two people, say it is "dear to both" of them.

What phrases are similar to "dear to both"?

Alternatives include "beloved by both", "cherished by both", or "valued by both", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dear both" grammatically correct?

No, "dear both" is not grammatically correct as a form of address. It's better to use established phrases like "dear friends" or list the names of the recipients.

What's the difference between "dear both" and "dear to both"?

"Dear both" is generally incorrect as a form of address. "Dear to both" refers to something that is valued or important to two people, such as "This project is "dear to both" of us".