one or both

USAGE SUMMARY

"one or both" is a correct and usable phrase in English.
You can use this phrase when you are giving someone a choice between two or more options. For example, "Do you want one or both of these ice cream cones?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Liver 3 can be pressed on one or both sides.

HuffPost

One or both.

The Guardian

Should I bid for one or both?

The Guardian - Opinion

One or both legs can be affected.

Harvard University

A resident could do one or both.

Stanford University

Students can attend one or both sessions.

Columbia University

Sign up for one or both days.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Either one or both can be installed.

Columbia University

One or both may be correct.

The New York Times

Will one or both be drafted in the first round?

The New York Times - Sports

It's possible one or both of them didn't even know.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering choices, ensure the context clearly defines what "one" and "both" refer to, avoiding ambiguity for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "one or both" when you intend only one option to be selected. The phrase explicitly allows for the selection of both options. If only one is permissible, use "either/or" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one or both" functions as a determiner phrase or a quantifier, indicating a choice between a single item and the combination of both. Ludwig examples show its use in academic papers, news articles, and general writing, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

38%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one or both" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate a choice between a single option or both options together. It is widely used across various contexts, from formal academic writing to news articles and general communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its function as a determiner or quantifier. When using "one or both", ensure clarity in the context to avoid any ambiguity about the available choices. While generally neutral in register, its precision lends itself well to formal settings. Keep in mind that unlike “either/or”, "one or both" always includes the possibility of both.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either one or the other, or both

This alternative is more verbose but explicitly clarifies the inclusive nature of the choice.

one and/or both

Uses the "and/or" construction for a slightly more formal or technical tone.

at least one, possibly both

Highlights the minimum requirement of selecting one, with the possibility of selecting both.

select one or both options

Directly refers to options in a selection process.

choose one or both

Emphasizes the act of choosing between the possibilities.

possibly one, possibly both

Focuses on the individual possibilities with equal emphasis.

a single one or both together

Emphasizes the contrast between a single item and the combination.

one item, or both items

Clarifies that the selection involves specific items.

one of them, or both of them

Uses pronouns to refer to previously mentioned items.

either option, or both options

Explicitly mentions the word "option" to describe the possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "one or both" in a sentence?

Use "one or both" to indicate that either a single item or both items together are acceptable. For example, "You can choose "one or both" desserts from the menu" implies you can have either one dessert or both.

What's the difference between "either/or" and "one or both"?

"Either/or" suggests a choice between two mutually exclusive options. "One or both" means you can choose one, the other, or both. The key difference is that "one or both" includes the possibility of selecting both options.

Is it redundant to say "one or both of them"?

While not strictly redundant, "one or both" is often sufficient. Adding "of them" can provide additional clarity, especially when referring to a specific set of items already mentioned. It depends on context.

Can I use "one or both" for more than two options?

No, "one or both" is specifically for scenarios involving only two options. If you have more than two options and want to indicate that any number of them can be chosen, use phrases like "any number", "some or all", or "one or more" instead.