for both of the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for both of the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two specific items or subjects that have already been mentioned or are understood in context. Example: "The report was prepared for both of the departments involved in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Barclays Bank, interestingly, has gone for both of the last two.

The Guardian - Money

We missed you.' A miracle certainly seems to have happened for both of the boys' families.

The Guardian

He was there for both of the wins against the current champions last season.

The Guardian - Sport

The girl cares for both of the males, and the males both care for her.

The Guardian

It also announced appointments to the board for both of the companies.

The New York Times

Notable runners-up for both of the awards are also named.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I became Richard Stark in the first place, 40 years ago, for both of the usual reasons.

The New York Times - Arts

She was trying on what she would wear for both of the parts she would play in "The Little Foxes".

The New Yorker

Pennington connected on his first 11 passes and accounted for both of the Jets' first-half touchdowns with scoring passes.

The New York Times - Sports

[Compulsory problem (for both of the groups)].

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

This was done for both of the flooding protocols.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for both of the", ensure that the context clearly identifies the two items being referred to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what "both" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "for both of the" when "for both" suffices, as the "of the" can sometimes be redundant. For example, prefer 'The decision impacts for both companies' over 'The decision impacts for both of the companies' if the context is already clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for both of the" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, specifying that something applies equally or is intended for two previously mentioned or understood entities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for both of the" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to denote something that applies equally to two specific entities. As validated by Ludwig, it's commonly found in both News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While generally correct, it's crucial to ensure that the two items being referred to are clear to the audience and to avoid redundancy by considering whether "for both" suffices. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use "for both of the" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the two

Directly replaces "both of the" with "the two", simplifying the phrase.

for each of the two

Emphasizes individuality within the pair, adding slight nuance.

regarding both

Shifts focus to 'regarding', suitable when introducing a topic concerning both items.

concerning both

Similar to 'regarding both', but with a slightly more formal tone.

in respect of both

Adds a level of formality and respect when referring to the two items.

for the sake of both

Highlights the benefit or cause connected to both subjects.

applicable to both

Specifies that something applies equally to the two items.

pertaining to both

Indicates relevance or connection to the two items.

in connection with both

Similar to pertaining to, used when establishing a relationship between subjects.

relevant to both

Highlights the relevance of something to both items.

FAQs

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

Use "for both of the" to refer to two specific items or entities that have already been mentioned or are understood in the context. For example, "The consequences apply "for both of the candidates"".

What are some alternatives to saying "for both of the"?

You can use alternatives such as "for the two", "regarding both", or "concerning both" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "for both of the"?

While generally correct, "for both of the" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether "for both" alone sufficiently conveys the meaning without losing clarity.

What's the difference between saying "for both of the" and "for each of the two"?

"For both of the" treats the two items as a unit, whereas "for each of the two" emphasizes the individual aspect of each item. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the collective or individual nature of the items.