"they are both" vs "they both are"

Question

"they are both" vs "they both are"

Both "they are both" and "they both are" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "They are both" is commonly used to introduce two items or people that share a characteristic, while "they both are" is used to emphasize that two people or things are doing something together.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

This phrase is used to introduce two items or people that share a characteristic. It is often followed by a noun or adjective.

Examples:

They are both excellent students.
They are both wearing blue shirts.
They are both very talented musicians.

Alternatives:

Both of them are
Both are
They both have
They both like
They both enjoy

This phrase is used to emphasize that two people or things are doing something together. It is often followed by a verb.

Examples:

They both are working on the project.
They both are singing in the choir.
They both are studying for the exam.

Alternatives:

Both of them are
Both are
They are both
They are both doing
They are both working

Answer 1

they are both

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

they both are

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"they are both" vs "they both are"

they are both

they both are

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