just both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just both" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in informal contexts to emphasize two items or ideas, but clarity is often lost. Example: "I don't want to choose; I want just both of them."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

They just both love hills.

The Guardian

Not just both sides but both fighters.

The Guardian - Sport

Or just both have a moustache of sorrow?

Independent

A failure to consolidate and widen their cooperation would damage not just both nations but the world as a whole.

The New York Times

"They'd just both go off in opposite corners and sulk that there was someone cleverer than them".

Independent

"I don't know if it was coincidence or if we just both had focus and time and passion".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But both could (just) be right.

The Economist

I just do both.

The New York Times

"I just combined both".

The New York Times

So maybe I'll just take both.

The New York Times

I just brought both worlds together".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just both" in informal writing or conversation to emphasize two specific items or aspects when a more formal alternative is not required. Ensure the context makes the meaning clear, as the phrase may not be universally understood.

Common error

Avoid using "just both" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. The phrase is considered colloquial and may undermine the professional tone. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "only both" or "specifically both".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just both" primarily functions as an emphatic qualifier. It's used to highlight that there are specifically two of something, and no more. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversation to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Huffington Post

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

The New York Times - Sports

5%

Acta Materialia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just both" serves as an emphatic qualifier, primarily functioning to highlight that there are specifically two of something. Although Ludwig AI considers the phrase grammatically acceptable, the analysis indicates that it's best suited for informal or neutral contexts rather than formal writing. Alternatives such as ""simply both"" or ""only both"" may be more appropriate for professional or academic settings. Its frequency is common, with notable appearances in news and media outlets and less frequent occurrences in scientific publications. Thus, while not strictly incorrect, users should exercise judgment when employing "just both", especially in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply both

Replaces "just" with "simply", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the emphasis on two items.

only both

Substitutes "just" with "only", highlighting that there are precisely two items and no more.

merely both

Employs "merely" instead of "just", suggesting that the two items are adequate or sufficient.

exactly both

Replaces "just" with "exactly", emphasizing precision and accuracy in the number of items.

precisely both

Similar to "exactly both", this phrase underscores the accurate number of two items.

specifically both

Highlights that these two items are chosen over others.

particularly both

Indicates that these two items are noteworthy.

exclusively both

Implies that nothing else is included.

solely both

Indicates that the items exist on their own.

completely both

Suggests two items are fully considered.

FAQs

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

You can use "just both" to emphasize two items or actions. For example, "I don't need one, I want "just both"!"

What can I say instead of "just both"?

Depending on the context, you could use "simply both", "only both", or specify the two items directly.

Is "just both" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal contexts, "just both" is not considered strictly grammatically correct in formal writing. Consider alternatives for more formal situations.

When is it appropriate to use "just both"?

It is suitable for informal settings like casual conversations or personal writing where a relaxed tone is acceptable. In more formal contexts, it's better to use more precise alternatives.