"They can be both successful." vs "They can both be successful."

Question

"They can be both successful." vs "They can both be successful."

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'They can be both successful' implies that they can be successful in addition to something else, while 'They can both be successful' means that both of them have the potential to be successful.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to emphasize that they have the potential to be successful along with another quality or characteristic.

Examples:

They can be both successful and happy in their careers.

Alternatives:

They can both be successful.
They can be successful in both aspects.
They can be successful together.
They can be successful individually.

This phrase is used to indicate that both individuals or groups have the capability to achieve success.

Examples:

They can both be successful in their respective fields.

Alternatives:

They can be both successful.
Both of them can be successful.
They can each be successful.
They can both achieve success.

Answer 1

They can be both successful.

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It implies that they can be successful in addition to something else.

Answer 2

They can both be successful.

This phrase is correct and more commonly used in English. It means that both of them have the potential to be successful.

"They can be both successful." vs "They can both be successful."

They can be both successful.

They can both be successful.

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