favor both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "favor both" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing support or preference for two options or parties simultaneously. Example: "In this debate, I tend to favor both sides of the argument, as each has valid points."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Others favor both financing options.

The New York Times

But many of the details differ, and some tilt decisively in Mr. Obama's favor, both factually and politically.

The New York Times

Several people seemed to favor both the probusiness, smaller-government approach historically associated with Republicans and the sense of social justice and inclusiveness typically linked to Democrats.

The New York Times

By the time he became the union chapter leader in 1999, career and technical education was falling out of favor, both locally and nationally.

The New York Times

Also working in HBO's favor: both Amazon and Netflix will no longer be able to air Sesame Street episodes because of the deal.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Outside the US, this is obvious: there have been Tory Keynesians in Britain, the Germans favor both a big welfare state with heavy regulation and balanced budgets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The two other gun measures also have bipartisan backing, and President Bush favors both.

The New York Times

(He favors both strict jurisprudential originalism and judicial restraint, seemingly unaware that the two conflict as often as they coincide).

The New York Times - Books

"The real Haiku Herman is still to come!" Anyhow, Van Rompuy believes that equilibrium favors both his art and his statecraft.

The New Yorker

The "Judging" group, for example, liked "a planned and organized approach to life" and favored both tighter gun control and stiffer sentences to deter crime.

The New York Times - Magazine

President Bush favors both the weapons ban and background checks, but urged the Senate to vote against them, saying he wanted the immunity bill to pass without amendment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "favor both", ensure that the context clearly defines the two options or entities being favored. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "favor both" when more than two options are present, as it implies a dual preference. For scenarios with multiple possibilities, consider using phrases like "favor all" or "favor multiple options" for enhanced clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "favor both" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a preference or support for two distinct entities or options. Ludwig's examples show it being used to express support for policies, ideas, or strategies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "favor both" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate support or preference for two distinct options. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common usage across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "support both" and "prefer both" exist, "favor both" offers a nuanced way to express inclination towards two specific choices. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the two options to prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support both

Expresses active endorsement instead of just inclination.

endorse both

Suggests a more formal and public expression of approval.

prefer both

Indicates a choice based on personal liking rather than objective reasons.

advocate for both

Implies active promotion and defense of the options.

be in favor of both

More verbose way to express support or agreement.

lean towards both

Suggests a tentative inclination.

be partial to both

Expresses a subjective liking or fondness.

countenance both

Indicates acceptance or permission, even if not enthusiastic support.

look upon both with favor

A more formal and elaborate way to express approval.

find merit in both

Suggests recognizing positive qualities in each option.

FAQs

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

You can use "favor both" to express support for two distinct options or viewpoints. For example, "The committee members "favor both" the traditional approach and the innovative strategy".

What are some alternatives to saying "favor both"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "support both", "prefer both", or "endorse both".

Is it grammatically correct to use "favor both"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "favor both" when expressing a preference for two specific items or ideas. It is important that the sentence structure clearly indicates what the two items are.

What's the difference between "favor both" and "support both"?

"Favor both" suggests a preference or inclination towards two options, while "support both" implies a more active endorsement and willingness to help or defend those options. The distinction lies in the level of engagement and action implied.