these two are

USAGE SUMMARY

"these two are" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to two people or things that are being compared or contrasted. For example: "These two are the most popular candy bars in the United States; the Snickers bar and the Reese's cup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These two are not alone.

The Economist

These two are completely Buggled.

The New Yorker

These two are screen gold.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"These two are yours, too.

The New York Times

These two are evenly matched.

The New York Times

These two are very important.

The New York Times

These two are purring now.

The Guardian - Sport

Make no mistake — these two are cowboys.

The New York Times - Sports

These two are also likely to meet.

The New York Times - Sports

These two are really ugly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These two are indisputably the winners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these two are" to clearly and directly refer to two specific entities, whether people, objects, or concepts, especially when comparing or contrasting them. This phrase ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "these two are" when the specific entities being referred to are unclear or haven't been explicitly identified. Ensure the context makes it obvious which two subjects you're discussing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these two are" functions as a subject-verb construction, introducing a description, comparison, or identification of two specific entities. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered valid in written English. Examples show it used to equate, describe, or contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "these two are" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to describe, compare, or identify two specific subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid phrase in written English. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to academic discussions. The frequency of its appearance in reliable sources, particularly in the "News & Media", underscores its common usage. When using this phrase, ensure the referents are clear to avoid ambiguity. While alternative phrases like "the pair is" or "both of them are" exist, "these two are" offers a direct and unambiguous way to connect two subjects with a shared characteristic or state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two of them are

Highlights the duality, underscoring the fact that there are specifically two subjects involved.

the pair is

Focuses on the duo as a unit, emphasizing their combined state or characteristic.

this duo is

Similar to "the pair is", this highlights the two subjects as a cohesive unit.

both of them are

Highlights the individual nature of each member while affirming their shared quality or condition.

the aforementioned are

Used to refer back to two entities previously mentioned, indicating a shared attribute or state.

the former and the latter are

Used when discussing two items or subjects previously mentioned, differentiating them by order.

these individuals are

Emphasizes the separate identities of the two subjects while linking them through a common trait.

the couple is

Implies a pair, usually in a romantic relationship, sharing a status or characteristic.

they both happen to be

Adds a layer of chance or surprise to the shared condition or attribute.

each is

Focuses on the individual characteristics of both, useful when detailing separate but related attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "these two are" in a sentence?

Use "these two are" to point out a shared characteristic, compare, or contrast two specific subjects. For example, "These two are the leading candidates in the election".

What are some alternatives to "these two are"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the pair is", "both of them are", or "the two of them are".

Is it correct to say "these two is" instead of "these two are"?

No, "these two is" is grammatically incorrect. The phrase refers to two subjects, requiring the plural verb "are". The correct phrasing is "these two are".

When is it appropriate to use "this pair is" versus "these two are"?

"This pair is" is appropriate when referring to a group treated as a single unit. "These two are" is used to emphasize the individual entities within the pair.