you are both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you are both" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to two people or things as a unit. For example, "You are both invited to the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You are both.

The Economist

But you are both Europeans.

The Guardian

Now you are both gone".

The New York Times - Sports

You are both active in your church.

The New York Times

Or both, presumably, if you are both.

The Economist

I think you are both wrong.

The New York Times

You are both all the time".

The New York Times

You are both calculating and devious".

The Guardian

Or you are both of the above.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sober you are both boring, unfunny and can't really dance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Your brother and you are both very expensive".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you are both" to directly address two individuals when ascribing a shared characteristic or action. Ensure the context clearly identifies who "you" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "you are both" in situations where the referent of "you" is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure the audience knows precisely to whom you're referring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you are both" functions as a declarative statement assigning a shared characteristic or status to two individuals or entities. As Ludwig AI explains, it directly addresses two subjects and predicates something about them. Examples include "You are both invited" or "You are both wrong."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

32%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you are both" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to address two individuals or entities, ascribing a shared quality or action to them. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While generally neutral in register, its formality depends on context. Predominantly found in news, media, and wiki sources, the phrase effectively conveys shared characteristics or situations, making it a versatile tool in communication. Alternative phrases, such as "both of you are" or "you're both", offer slight variations in emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you're both

Contraction of "you are", more conversational.

both of you are

Word order is changed, emphasizing "both" as a modifier.

you two are

Informal and directly addresses the pair.

the two of you are

Specifies the quantity explicitly.

you both are

Slightly different word order but maintains the same meaning.

the pair of you is

Emphasizes the couple.

you all are

More inclusive and suitable for addressing a group of two or more.

together, you are

Focuses on the combined actions or attributes.

each of you is

Highlights the individuality within the pair.

both you and...

Explict mentioning and joining of subjects.

FAQs

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

Use "you are both" to indicate a shared quality or action performed by two people. For instance, "You are both invited to the party" shows that two specific people are invited.

What is a more formal way of saying "you are both"?

In formal contexts, consider using "both of you are" or "the two of you are". These options provide a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "you both are" instead of "you are both"?

While "you both are" is understandable, "you are both" is generally preferred as it aligns better with standard English grammar. However, "you're both" is a common contraction.

Can "you are both" be used for objects or concepts, not just people?

Yes, "you are both" can be used to describe two entities sharing a characteristic, even if they are not people. For example, "You are both essential to this project" refers to the importance of two separate components.