A both synonym has to do a specific job, because both does three: it points at two things (the two, each), it says they share something (alike, equally), and it links ideas in the pattern both X and Y (as well as, not only ... but also).
Few single words replace it in every sentence, so this page works by job. Each section pairs another word for both with the pattern it suits, notes where the grammar shifts and flags the common slip with either.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
the two, each, alike, as well asPart of speech
Determiner, pronoun, conjunctionMost formal
each of the two, in equal measureMost casual
the two of them, plusFor both X and Y
as well as, not only ... but alsoAntonyms
neither, none, only oneWatch out
Either means one or the other, except in phrases about sides, like on either side of the road.
Match the both synonym to its task
| Job | Replacement | Sample sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Naming the pair | the two, the pair, each | Both cousins came becomes the two cousins came. |
| Saying they share it | alike, equally | Students and teachers alike enjoyed it. |
| Linking two items | as well as, along with | She speaks French as well as Spanish. |
| Adding emphasis | not only ... but also | It is not only cheap but also durable. |
| Two sides | either, each | Shops line either side of the street. |
Grammar shifts when you swap
Each looks at the two one at a time, so the verb turns singular: both rooms have a window becomes each room has a window. It is handy for stressing that neither one was left out.
Alike goes after the nouns, not before: parents and children alike, never alike parents and children.
As well as keeps the first item in focus. The coach, as well as his players, was thanked. Here the verb usually agrees with the first noun.
Not only ... but also needs balanced parts on each side: write not only fast but also quiet, rather than not only fast but also it is quiet.
Before and after: both in real lines
- Both of my brothers live abroad becomes my two brothers live abroad.
- The policy hurts both buyers and sellers becomes the policy hurts buyers and sellers alike.
- Both options cost the same becomes each option costs the same.
- The course is both useful and fun becomes the course is not only useful but also fun.
- Both sides agreed becomes the two sides agreed or there was mutual agreement.
A cover letter reads: "I have both sales and design experience, and I enjoy both." The repeat flattens the sentence. Try: "I bring sales as well as design experience, and I enjoy each equally."
The either trap and other slips
Either usually means one of two: you can take either bus. It means both only in a few set phrases about sides or ends: trees on either side, a handle at either end. Outside those, swapping both for either changes the meaning.
Together suggests the two acted as a unit. Both signed the form allows separate signings, while they signed the form together suggests one sitting. See the together synonyms page for more.
Avoid both alike, both equal and the both of them in formal writing. The first two say the same thing twice, and the third is casual speech.
Linking words for formal writing
Essays often use both X and Y to join two causes, findings or traits. To vary the pattern, try as well as, along with, in addition to, or a plain and with a strong verb. For a list of three or more, both no longer fits, so switch to all or a series with commas.
The also synonyms page and the transition words hub list more connectors for adding ideas.
Opposites of both
The clear opposite is neither, which means not one and not the other. None applies to groups of three or more. Only one or just one work when you want to contrast with the pair.
- Neither answer was correct.
- Only one twin made the team.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one word that replaces both?
The two, each and alike are the most flexible replacements. The right pick hinges on whether you are naming the pair, treating them one by one, or showing they share something.
Which both synonym sounds most formal?
Each of the two and in equal measure sound formal. For joining two ideas in an essay, as well as and not only ... but also are standard choices.
Can I use either instead of both?
Only in phrases about sides or ends, such as on either side of the river. In most other sentences, either means one or the other, so it changes the meaning.
Does both have an opposite?
Neither is the direct opposite. Use none for three or more items and only one when you want to single out one of the pair.
Is both of them correct?
Yes. Both of them, both of us and both the books are all standard. The both of them is common in speech but sounds informal in writing.