in both boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in both boxes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to items, information, or characteristics that are present in two separate boxes. Example: "Please ensure that the documents are placed in both boxes for easy access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to be more ruthless in both boxes".

The Guardian - Sport

Is it always LAURA SCHULZ: You always hear the same thing in both boxes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Great in the air, quick, a leader, strong, fantastic in both boxes, hard as nails.

The Guardian - Sport

The Everton manager's grievances with the referee, Lee Probert, included events in both boxes.

The Guardian - Sport

Great in the air, quick, strong, fantastic in both boxes, hard as nails.

The New York Times - Sports

The game will be won or lost in the air in both boxes and we have to be prepared for that".

The Guardian - Sport

"I thought the lack of conviction in both boxes, from our point of view, has cost us the game tonight," McInnes said.

The Guardian - Sport

Nudge the on-screen sliders in both boxes to the right to increase the amount of battery power you still have when the alert box pops up.

The New York Times - Tech

I would say that it was a tight game, that the lines are fine, but that you have to win it in both boxes.

Independent

In both boxes.

BBC

We lacked quality in both boxes".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in both boxes" in sports writing, ensure the context makes it clear you are referring to the penalty areas or key areas at each end of the field. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the sport if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "in both boxes" in non-sports contexts where it might be confusing. If you're not talking about sports, choose a more descriptive phrase that clearly indicates what 'boxes' you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in both boxes" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the location or scope of an action. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its function is clear from Ludwig's examples related to sports, indicating the areas where actions occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in both boxes" is a common and grammatically correct expression, most frequently found in sports-related contexts, particularly soccer. It is used to describe actions or qualities relevant to both the offensive and defensive ends of the field. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase. While the phrase is predominantly used in sports, it can metaphorically apply to other fields to define two distinct key areas. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies the 'boxes' to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "at both ends of the field" or "in both penalty areas" can offer greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at both ends of the field

Focuses specifically on the areas at each end of a sports field, instead of general boxes.

in both penalty areas

More specific to soccer/football, highlighting the penalty areas rather than general boxes.

at both ends

Simplifies the phrase, removing the specific reference to "boxes" but retaining the idea of two opposing ends.

in both goal areas

Similar to penalty areas, but refers strictly to the goal area in sports.

on both sides of the pitch

Emphasizes location on either side of the field, removing the focus on the box shape

in attack and defense

Highlights the offensive and defensive phases of play.

at both the attacking and defending ends

More verbose but clarifies the reference to both offensive and defensive areas of play.

in both zones

Uses the general term 'zones' instead of 'boxes', implying defined areas of play.

in both the offensive and defensive zones

A more descriptive alternative, replacing "boxes" with the explicit "offensive and defensive zones".

at each end of the court

More adapted to basketball context, highlighting the court ends.

FAQs

How is "in both boxes" typically used in sports commentary?

In sports commentary, "in both boxes" usually refers to the defensive and offensive ends of the field, particularly in soccer, where it emphasizes actions and decisions made within the penalty areas. It often highlights a team's effectiveness or shortcomings in these critical zones.

What does it mean when a football manager says his team needs to be more clinical "in both boxes"?

When a football manager says their team needs to be more clinical "in both boxes", they mean the team needs to improve their performance both defensively (preventing goals) and offensively (scoring goals) within the respective penalty areas. It implies a need for greater precision and effectiveness at both ends of the field.

Are there alternative ways to describe a player who is effective "in both boxes"?

Yes, a player who is effective "in both boxes" can also be described as being a threat in attack and solid in defense, contributing at both ends of the field, or being strong both offensively and defensively. These descriptions highlight the player's dual capabilities.

When is it appropriate to use "in both boxes" outside of a sports context?

While primarily used in sports, "in both boxes" can be used metaphorically in other contexts to refer to two distinct areas of responsibility or activity. However, ensure the context is clear and that the 'boxes' are well-defined to avoid confusion. Using more specific language is often preferable to maintain clarity.