it is both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is both" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something applies to two things or groups of things, usually when you wish to contrast them. For example: "It is both sophisticated and simple, making it the perfect design for any home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Manifestly it is both.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is both.

The New York Times

Perhaps it is both.

The Economist

Very likely it is both.

The New York Times - Sports

In practice, it is both.

Independent

Rather, it is both.

The New York Times

It is both beautiful and disastrous.

The New York Times - Books

It is both common and highly destructive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is both frustrating and shocking".

Independent

Never­theless, it is both moving and instructive.

The New York Times - Books

Because it is both direct and enduring.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is both" to succinctly convey that something possesses two seemingly contradictory or distinct qualities. This can add depth and nuance to your descriptions.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "it is both" can make writing monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "it combines elements of both" or describing the qualities separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is both" functions as a linking phrase used to connect a subject with two attributes, qualities, or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used. It highlights the dual nature of something, suggesting it encompasses two distinct aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is both" serves as a powerful tool for expressing duality. As verified by Ludwig, this concise phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its frequency across News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific sources underscores its versatility. While "it is both" is a valuable linguistic asset, remember to vary your sentence structure to avoid monotony. Consider alternatives such as "it combines elements of both" for similar impact. Remember to carefully use "it is both" in your writing to make the greatest effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it embodies both qualities

Focuses on the expression or representation of two specific attributes.

it is a hybrid of

Indicates a mix or combination of two different things, resulting in something new.

it combines elements of both

Emphasizes the combination of different aspects into a single entity.

it reflects dual nature

Highlights the presence of two distinct and often contrasting characteristics.

it has aspects of each

Highlights that something possesses characteristics from different sources or categories.

it shares traits with each

Underscores the commonalities between something and two separate entities.

it is a fusion of

Suggests a blending or merging of distinct qualities or components.

it encompasses both sides

Highlights the inclusion or coverage of two opposing or contrasting viewpoints.

it incorporates elements of

Implies the inclusion of different aspects within a single framework.

it partakes of both

Suggests participation or involvement in two distinct realms or qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "it is both" in a sentence?

Use "it is both" to indicate that something has two distinct or seemingly contradictory qualities. For example, "The project is both challenging and rewarding."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is both"?

You can use alternatives like "it combines elements of both", "it embodies both qualities", or "it is a hybrid of" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is both"?

Yes, "it is both" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that something possesses two distinct characteristics.

How does "it is both" differ from "it is neither"?

"It is both" indicates the presence of two qualities, while "it is neither" indicates the absence of two qualities. They are antonyms in this context.