they both possess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they both possess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that two subjects have something in common or share a particular quality or characteristic. Example: "In this study, it was found that they both possess a unique ability to adapt to changing environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This was topped up by an additional £56 each during placements, because they both possess NVQ level 3 qualifications.

The Guardian

5) The Warrens have been called to investigate the force because they both possess unique special powers.

The Guardian - Film

Both drivers did a superb job and really showed the talent they both possess.

BBC

We force the instances (x_i) and (x_j) in our dataset to have same label if they both possess same features.

Security Informatics

It is a social representation of a person reflecting the respect, regard or confidence others have in them which they both possess or are consciousness of themselves and of which others are aware (Goffman 1972, p. 5; Qi 2011, p. 287).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

But they both possess a seed of belief, a limping faith, the Word of God and the exorcism handbook.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

When applying for a San Francisco marriage license both parties must be present and they must both possess a valid picture ID which includes: their full name, birth date, date of issue, date of expiration, and home address.

WikiHow

It is also interesting to note that there was a hormonal link between these two groups, as they both possessed the highest circulating T/E ratios.

Plosone

M1 and E1 in that they both possessed the feature of having more than one N-terminal residue cut, and they differed in that the E compartment contained secretory signal peptide while the M compartment did not.

Plosone

A comparison of the NMR spectra of 1 and 4 indicated that they both possessed a dihydroxydiaryl skeleton.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

Previous studies of the COX inhibitors naproxen and mefenamic acid revealed that they both possessed anticonvulsant or related activities in PTZ-treated mice (Dhir et al., 2005; Wallenstein, 1991).

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they both possess" when you want to emphasize that two distinct subjects share a particular attribute or quality. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and adds a touch of sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "they both possess" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "they both have" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they both possess" functions as a connector introducing a shared attribute or quality between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to express common ownership, and is usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they both possess" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to indicate a shared attribute or quality between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and applicable in various contexts, though it leans towards a more formal tone. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news-related content. When writing, consider simpler alternatives like "they both have" or "they share" for more casual contexts, and remember that clarity and precision are key when describing shared qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both of them have

A more direct and common way to express shared ownership or qualities.

they both hold

Emphasizes a more formal or sustained possession compared to a fleeting characteristic.

they share

Focuses on the act of sharing a common attribute rather than the inherent possession of it.

each of them has

Highlights individual possession while implying a similarity between the two.

they have in common

Focuses on the shared aspect of the quality, rather than the possession itself.

both exhibit

Implies a visible or demonstrable display of the shared attribute.

they both demonstrate

Similar to 'exhibit', but suggests a more active or intentional display.

they both manifest

Suggests the shared attribute is a visible or tangible expression of something.

they are both characterized by

A formal way of indicating a defining or notable feature they share.

they both feature

Implies the shared attribute is a prominent or noteworthy aspect of each.

FAQs

How can I use "they both possess" in a sentence?

Use "they both possess" to indicate that two subjects share a characteristic, as in "They both possess a strong work ethic".

What's a simpler way to say "they both possess"?

You can use alternatives like "both of them have" or "they share" for a more conversational tone.

Is it redundant to say "they both possess"?

While not strictly redundant, consider whether "both possess" is sufficient. The pronoun 'they' can sometimes be implied, depending on the context.

What's the difference between "they both possess" and "each of them has"?

"They both possess" emphasizes the shared quality, while "each of them has" highlights individual ownership of that quality.