on two counts

USAGE SUMMARY

"on two counts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate something is true in two different ways, and is often used when making a legal argument. For example, "The defendant is guilty on two counts – firstly, the evidence presented against them is overwhelming, and secondly, they have confessed to the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This one is different on two counts.

The New Yorker

On two counts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I was wrong, on two counts.

The New York Times - Health

And Fàbregas is out on two counts.

The New York Times - Sports

But it falls short on two counts.

The Economist

That looks sinister on two counts.

The Economist

That may be understandable on two counts.

The New Yorker

The shape was crucial on two counts.

The New York Times

This seems wrong on two counts.

The New York Times

He is wrong on two counts.

The New York Times

This may seem surprising on two counts.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on two counts", ensure that the two reasons are indeed distinct and relevant to the main point. Avoid redundancy or tangential points.

Common error

Avoid using "on two counts" if you are only elaborating on a single point. This phrase is meant to introduce two independent reasons, not just two facets of the same idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on two counts" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing two specific reasons or justifications for a statement. It is commonly used to introduce a structured explanation with two distinct points, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on two counts" is a versatile phrase used to introduce two specific reasons or aspects of an argument. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, signifying its widespread application in providing structured and justified explanations. For clarity, ensure that the two reasons are distinct and relevant. Alternatives such as "for two reasons" or "in two respects" may be used depending on the context to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for two reasons

Emphasizes the existence of two distinct reasons supporting a claim. This is more direct.

in two respects

Highlights two specific aspects or viewpoints. This is more formal.

on two grounds

Focuses on the foundational basis or justification. Suitable for formal arguments.

in two ways

Highlights the duality of approach or manner. Broader than 'respects' or 'grounds'.

from two angles

Emphasizes different points of view. Useful to describe different perspectives.

under two heads

Implies a structured division or categorization. More formal and less common.

on both fronts

Indicates success or failure in two distinct areas. Suitable for progress reports.

twice over

Highlights a double occurrence or impact. Less formal and more emphatic.

doubly so

Emphasizes increased significance or impact. Succinct and can add emphasis.

in a twofold manner

A formal, and somewhat redundant, way of saying something is true in two ways.

FAQs

How can I use "on two counts" in a sentence?

You can use "on two counts" to introduce two reasons or aspects. For example, "The proposal is beneficial "for two reasons": it reduces costs and improves efficiency."

What phrases are similar to "on two counts"?

Alternatives include "for two reasons", "in two respects", or "on two grounds", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on two counts"?

Yes, "on two counts" is a correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something is true or valid for two specific reasons or in two specific ways.

What's the difference between "on two counts" and "on several counts"?

"On two counts" specifies exactly two reasons, while "on several counts" indicates more than two, suggesting multiple reasons without specifying the exact number.