for both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for both" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two entities or groups that are being considered together in a context. Example: "The new policy is designed to benefit the employees and the management, providing advantages for both."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"For both of us".

The New York Times

Registration required for both.

The New York Times - Arts

I vote for both.

The New York Times

(Mr. Kucinich voted for both).

The New York Times

Isn't there room for both?

The New York Times

They want acceptance for both".

The New Yorker

(Mr. Ryan voted for both).

The New York Times

Good for both of them.

The New Yorker

Look for both pianists soon.

The New York Times - Arts

Web site for both: canoenj.com.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cheer loudly--for both teams.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for both", ensure that the context clearly defines the two entities or aspects you are referring to. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for both" without specifying what "both" refers to. Always make the reference clear to prevent confusion. Instead of saying "This is good for both", specify "This is good for both students and teachers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for both" functions as a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI, based on its examples, indicates it is used to denote something applying or relating to two entities or aspects considered together. As seen in Ludwig, it often modifies verbs or adjectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "for both" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something applies equally or jointly to two specified entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and very common, suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, wiki and business settings. To ensure clarity, always define what "both" refers to, and consider alternatives like "for the two" or "applicable to both" to match your desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the two

A more direct and concise way of specifying two entities.

applicable to both

Emphasizes the applicability to two separate items or entities.

for the pair

Highlights the two as a distinct set.

suitable for both

Implies appropriateness or fitness for two items.

covering both

Focuses on the inclusion or coverage of two items.

to the benefit of both

Explicitly mentions the advantage or positive outcome.

shared between them

Highlights the sharing aspect between two entities.

to each one

Focuses on individual application rather than collective benefit.

equally for both

Emphasizes fairness or impartiality.

for either one

Indicates applicability to individual items of a pair.

FAQs

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

Use "for both" when you want to indicate that something applies equally or is intended "to the benefit of both" of two specified things or people. For example, "The agreement is beneficial for both companies involved".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "for both"?

Alternatives to "for both" include phrases like "for the two", "applicable to both", or "shared between them". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "for both"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "applicable to both" or "to the benefit of both" as they sound more professional.

When should I avoid using "for both"?

Avoid using "for both" if the reference to what "both" refers to is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure that the context makes it perfectly clear what the two entities are. Instead of saying "This is good for both", you should specify "This is good for both the buyer and the seller".