though not both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though not both" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that while two options or conditions are being considered, only one of them applies or is true at a time. Example: "You can choose to attend the meeting or the conference, though not both, as they occur simultaneously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At 3,257 other top-scoring schools, at least half the students are either poor or minority, though not both.

The New York Times

The judge said banks that issue the two companies' cards might continue to hold seats on the board of either Visa or MasterCard, though not both.

The New York Times

Unlike the "free traffic" regime, in which ramp metering can affect only the dynamics downstream of the ramp, in the "congested traffic" regime ramp metering can be used to suppress stop-and-go oscillations both downstream and upstream of the ramp – though not both simultaneously.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Genuine though, not fake.

WikiHow

Again, though, not too much.

WikiHow

Though obviously not both.

Vice

The last time a statewide drought was declared in Washington state was 2005, when circumstances were more akin to California's disastrous dry conditions--though not as severe--with both rainfall and snowpack down.

Los Angeles Times

I can change sex and gender, though not always both at the same time.

The New Yorker

This area is gay and Jewish, though not often both at the same time.

The Guardian - Travel

Both starters and mains – sea bass with sweet potato hash brown and kale and hake with chickpea, borlotti bean and chorizo cassoulet – are tasty and well-presented, though not cheap (both mains are £19).

The Guardian - Travel

That meant the performances were generally, though not universally, both better and better received.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though not both" to clearly indicate that while two options are presented, only one is applicable or possible at a given time. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "though not both" when the two options are not mutually exclusive. If both options can apply simultaneously, a different connector like "and" or "as well as" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though not both" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It connects two ideas, conceding that a certain condition exists, but then limiting it by stating that both elements cannot occur simultaneously. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "though not both" serves as a concessive conjunction phrase used to indicate that while two options might seem available, only one can be chosen or is applicable at a given time. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Though its frequency is rare, it appears in neutral and slightly formal contexts such as news, academic writing and scientific publications, and expresses a limitation between the two presented options. Alternative phrases include "but not both" and "yet not both".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although not both

Replaces "though" with "although", maintaining the same concessive meaning.

but not both

Uses "but" instead of "though" for a slightly more direct contrast.

yet not both

Replaces "though" with "yet", emphasizing the contrast.

however not both

Emphasizes the contrast more strongly by using "however".

even if not both

Indicates that something holds true even if both conditions are not met.

while not necessarily both

Adds emphasis on the lack of necessity for both conditions to be true.

not necessarily both

Shortens the phrase while retaining the core meaning.

not both at the same time

Specifies that the two options cannot occur simultaneously.

one but not the other

Clearly indicates a choice between two options where only one can be selected.

either one, but not both

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the choice between the two options.

FAQs

How can I use "though not both" in a sentence?

Use "though not both" to indicate that only one of two options or conditions applies, for example: "You can have the cake or the ice cream, "though not both"".

What's a simpler way to say "though not both"?

Alternatives include "but not both" or "yet not both". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it always necessary to include "though not both" when only one of two options is possible?

No, it is not always necessary. The need depends on the context and whether the exclusivity is already clear. If there is a chance of misinterpretation, using "though not both" clarifies the situation.

What is the difference between "though not both" and "but not both"?

"Though not both" implies a concession, while "but not both" provides a more direct contrast. "Though" introduces a sense of surprise or unexpectedness, while "but" simply states the limitation.