they both work

USAGE SUMMARY

"they both work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to talk about two people who have jobs, like in the sentence, "My cousin and I both work in the finance industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But they both work.

The New York Times

They both work very well.

The New York Times - Tech

They both work in Philadelphia.

The New York Times

They both work.

Harvard University

They both work quite well.

The New York Times

They both work very hard, too.

The Guardian

They both work on a construction site.

The New York Times

They both work in the paper industry.

The New York Times

They both work in Goldman's principal investments division.

The New York Times

"They both work very differently," Mr. Sheader said.

The New York Times

They both work long hours and pay their taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they both work", ensure the context is clear and it's evident who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they both work" if the referents of "they" are unclear or distant in the text. Restate the names or roles for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they both work" primarily functions as a statement of fact, indicating that two individuals are employed or actively engaged in labor. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they both work" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that two individuals are employed or actively engaged in labor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in diverse contexts ranging from news media to academic writing.

While generally neutral, its formality can shift based on context. For instance, it's informal in casual conversations yet neutral in news reports. Remember to ensure the referents of "they" are always clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider using more formal alternatives like "they are both employed" for a more professional tone. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "they both work" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are both employed

Replaces "work" with "employed", emphasizing the state of having a job.

both of them are working

Adds "of them are" for emphasis, maintaining the present continuous tense.

they both have jobs

Focuses on the possession of a job rather than the action of working.

they both are in the workforce

Focuses on their inclusion in the general working population.

they each have employment

More formal, emphasizing individual employment.

they are both professionally engaged

Very formal, suitable for professional contexts.

they are both active

Broader, implies engagement in activities including work.

both are gainfully occupied

Formal and emphasizes that the work is productive and income-generating.

they both labor

Emphasizes the effort involved in working, can sound slightly archaic.

they both toil

Similar to "labor" but even stronger in emphasizing hard work.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they both work" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "they are both employed" or "they are both professionally engaged" to convey a more formal tone.

What does it mean when someone says "they both work"?

It typically means that two individuals are employed or engaged in some form of labor, usually for compensation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they both work"?

Yes, "they both work" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use.

Can I use "they both work" in academic writing?

Yes, the phrase is acceptable in academic writing, especially when describing individuals' roles or involvement in projects. However, ensure the context and clarity are maintained.