when both are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when both are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing two subjects or conditions that need to be considered together. Example: "The results are most significant when both are taken into account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When both are ful the Driftmaster heads shoreward to dump its load.

The New Yorker

Italy's central defensive pairing of Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta picks itself when both are fit.

The Guardian - Sport

When both are at home, Reed acts as Anderson's most valued critic.

The Guardian

For Tomososki, his "good eye" compensates for his "bad" one when both are open.

The Washington Post

Shielded cells grow better than non-shielded tester populations when (both are) having neighbors.

Nature

When both are considered, rarely are properties considered other than concrete strength.

Cement and Concrete Composites

For couples, coordinating two careers is especially tough when both are in science.

The New York Times

When both are running the business, Bengis-Palei often defers to Buxton in potentially touchy situations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even when both are up for the same position – station sergeant – there's no sense of rivalry, not really.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It explores Simpson's paradox, in which a trend appears in two sets of data, but disappears when both are combined.

The Guardian

The friends are reunited many years later, when both are married — he unhappily and she the mother of 10 children.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "both" refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "when both are" without clearly establishing what "both" refers to in the preceding context, as it can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when both are" functions as a subordinator introducing a dependent clause, typically an adverbial clause of condition or time. As Ludwig AI highlights, it connects two related conditions, indicating that the main clause's action or state is contingent on both conditions being true. It establishes a specific context where a particular outcome or situation applies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when both are" is a versatile phrase used to introduce conditional clauses, specifying situations where two conditions must be met simultaneously. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. The phrase functions to establish specific conditions for a statement's validity and clarity. While generally neutral in tone, the level of formality is influenced by surrounding vocabulary and sentence complexity. Ensure clarity by explicitly referencing what "both" refers to, and avoid using it vaguely. Alternative phrases such as "when the two are" or "if both are" can provide stylistic variations. Keep in mind the importance of grammatical correctness given the implied plurality, and the register which may range from formal to neutral. The wealth of examples provided by Ludwig underscores its widespread applicability and contextual nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the two are

Slightly more formal, emphasizes the number 'two'.

if both are

Introduces a conditional aspect more explicitly.

assuming both are

Highlights the assumption that both conditions are met.

provided both are

Similar to 'if both are' but with a stronger sense of provision.

in cases where both are

More verbose, suitable for formal writing.

when considering both

Focuses on the act of considering two elements.

once both are

Emphasizes the timing or sequence.

given that both are

Introduces a premise or known fact.

with both being

Rephrases the clause into a participial phrase.

under circumstances where both are

Adds a level of specificity to the conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "when both are" in a sentence?

Use "when both are" to describe a condition that applies if and only if two specific items or conditions are met. For example, "The results are most accurate "when both are" taken into account."

What's a more formal alternative to "when both are"?

A more formal alternative is "in cases where both are", which is suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it always necessary to specify what "both" refers to "when both are" used?

Yes, clarity is crucial. Always ensure the context makes it immediately clear what "both" refers to, either through direct mention or clear implication.

Which is correct: "when both is" or "when both are"?

"When both are" is correct. "Both" implies plurality, so the verb must agree with a plural subject.