either both of these

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either both of these" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly because "either" implies a choice between two options, while "both" refers to two items together. Example: "You can choose either both of these options, or just one."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(One might have thought it obvious that either both of these acts are completely outrageous, or neither of them is).

The Guardian

P. roqueforti was found polymorphic for the presence of Wallaby and CheesyTer, with all tested strains carrying either both of these regions or neither of them (Table S3).

Current Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Of course, the government can ultimately ignore the judgments or recommendations of either or both of these groups.

The New Yorker

Consequently, maps of Mars were published with either or both of these systems.

Britannica

In the unlikely event you haven't treated yourself to either or both of these, please hasten to do so.

The New Yorker

The final takedown of either or both of these terrorist killers will clearly be a symbolic settling of the outstanding accounts of 9/11.

The New York Times

The tests associated with radio receivers are designed to measure either or both of these attributes.

Practical Radio Frequency Test and Measurement A Technician's Handbook

This does not mean the New York City Ballet performs either or both of these ballets every season (they are, nonetheless, both being performed this fall).

The New York Times - Arts

Collusion in setting either or both of these commissions would consitute an illegal restraint of trade under the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The New York Times

By Hendrik Hertzberg August 12, 2008 In the unlikely event you haven't treated yourself to either or both of these, please hasten to do so.

The New Yorker

The present research was designed to explore whether either or both of these processes involve thinking that occupies cognitive capacity.

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "either both of these" in formal writing. Choose "either of these" or "both of these" depending on your intended meaning for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Don't use "either both of these" when you mean to indicate a choice between two options or to refer to both items collectively. "Either" implies a choice, while "both" indicates a combination. Select the term that accurately reflects your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either both of these" attempts to combine the functions of "either" (indicating a choice between options) and "both" (referring to two items together). According to Ludwig AI, this combination is grammatically incorrect. It's an attempt to express a choice involving two specific items but fails due to conflicting grammatical structures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either both of these" is generally considered grammatically incorrect, attempting to merge the concepts of choice ("either") and combination ("both"). Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is not correct in standard written English. While it might be understandable in informal speech, it's best to use "either of these" to indicate a choice between two options, or "both of these" to refer to the two items collectively. For clarity and precision, especially in formal writing, avoiding this phrase is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either of these

Removes "both", focusing on a choice between the two options.

both of these

Removes "either", focusing on the two items together without a choice.

one or both of these

Clarifies that it can be one, the other, or both.

any of these

Expands the possibility to more than just two items.

each of these

Focuses on the individual consideration of each item.

any one of these

Highlights the selection of a single item from the group.

either this one or that one

Specifies the choice between two distinct items.

these options

A more general term that refers to the selection without being specific.

these items

A neutral reference to multiple things without implying selection.

these alternatives

Highlights the selection among a defined group of possibilities

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "either both of these"?

The grammatically correct alternatives are "either of these", indicating a choice between two options, or "both of these", referring to the two options together.

When should I use "either of these" versus "both of these"?

"Either of these" is used when you want to indicate a choice between two options. "Both of these" is used when you are referring to two things together.

Is it ever acceptable to use "either both of these"?

While some may use it colloquially, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's better to stick to "either of these" or "both of these" for clarity.

What's the difference between "either of these" and "one or both of these"?

"Either of these" implies a choice between two options, but not necessarily both. "One or both of these" explicitly states that one can be chosen, or both together.