none of the two

USAGE SUMMARY

"none of the two" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to two different items or when comparing two different items. For example: "None of the two houses is better, it just depends on your preference."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a consequence none of the two methods bring the expected improvements in accuracy.

Expert Systems with Applications

None of the two compounds did show any cytotoxicity effect on human THP-1 cells.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

None of the two dozen families in line at dinnertime Monday night was complaining.

The New York Times

None of the two dozen or so prostitutes involved have been prosecuted — the intent was to get the big fish.

The New York Times

We also found that none of the two factors, temperature and immersion time, affected the waste load gain for the tested ranges.

Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids

The graph shows the frequency of lice with both viral strains (No9 and No127), with No9 only, with No127 only, and with none of the two viral strains.

Nature

At the Lucky Star karaoke bar in Hanoi, none of the two dozen women there initially expressed interest in Mr. Kim.

The New York Times

None of the two used light sources can degrade Orange II without a photocatalyst.

Chemistry Central Journal

If none of the two RATs has 6 bbu to admit an incoming class-1 call.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In other words, none of the two languages showed a stable voiceless (/k/) response floor effect.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Also, none of the two patients on chemotherapy was immunodeficient, according to their white blood cell count.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "none of the two", ensure you have explicitly mentioned or implied two distinct items or options. This provides context and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "none of the two" when referring to more than two items. In such cases, use "none of them" or "none of these" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "none of the two" functions as a determiner phrase, indicating that neither of the two specified entities possesses a particular attribute or quality. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "none of the two" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates neither of two options satisfies a given condition. According to Ludwig, it is correct and versatile. It's common in scientific and news-related content, indicating a neutral formality. When using this phrase, make sure that it is clear which two items you are referring to, and that "none of the two" is not mistakenly used in place of 'none of them' when referring to more than two options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neither of the two

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing that not one of the two is true or applicable.

not one of the two

Highlights the individual exclusion of both options.

neither one of them

Uses 'one' to emphasize individuality and 'them' to refer to previously mentioned items.

not either of them

Emphasizes that 'either' option is not the case.

in neither case

Focuses on the situation or condition, stating that neither situation applies.

in neither instance

Similar to 'in neither case', but emphasizes a specific occurrence or example.

not in either situation

Highlights that in both situations considered, the condition does not hold.

not applicable to both

States directly that the condition is not relevant or suitable for either of the two.

both do not

A more direct way of saying that both items lack a certain attribute or quality.

neither is true

Emphasizes the falsity or invalidity of both options or statements.

FAQs

How can I use "none of the two" in a sentence?

You can use "none of the two" to indicate that neither of two options or items possesses a certain quality or is true. For example, "None of the two candidates met all the requirements."

What's the difference between "neither of the two" and "none of the two"?

While similar, "neither of the two" specifically emphasizes that not either one is true or possesses a quality, while "none of the two" simply states that no one possesses that quality. In practice, they are often interchangeable.

Is it always necessary to specify "of the two" when using "none"?

Specifying "of the two" clarifies that you are referring to a set of two. Without it, "none" implies a larger or unspecified group. Compare "None of the two options worked" with "None of the options worked."

What are some alternatives to "none of the two"?

Alternatives include "neither of the two", "not one of the two", or rephrasing to state what they lack. For example, instead of "None of the two cars were fast", you could say "Both cars were slow."