English learners ask the same question every single day: Is it correct to say “both of them”? The phrase pops up in conversations, text messages, emails, and even in formal writing. Yet many people second-guess it because English grammar often feels like a maze without signboards. If you’ve been unsure about whether the phrase is acceptable, you’re not alone. Many writers pause mid-sentence and wonder if they’re being redundant or overly wordy. Others get confused when teachers and grammar books explain the difference between both, each, and either.

You’re about to get complete clarity.

This guide walks you through the phrase from every angle. You’ll learn when it’s correct, when it’s optional, when it becomes redundant, and how native speakers actually use it. You’ll also see examples, tables, comparisons, real-world scenarios, and grammatical breakdowns that make everything crystal clear. By the end, you’ll confidently know when and how to use the expression without a second thought.

Most importantly, you’ll understand the subtle difference between saying “both” and saying “both of them.” Small tweaks in phrasing change the tone, rhythm, and clarity of your writing. And once you master these nuances, your communication becomes smoother and more natural.

Let’s dive in.

What “Both” Means in English Grammar

Every discussion on “Is it correct to say both of them?” starts with a simple rule: “Both” always refers to two people or two things. Not three. Not five. Exactly two.

In grammar terms, oth works as:

a determiner
a pronoun
and sometimes even an adverb depending on context

Yet its most common use is incredibly straightforward. It tells your reader or listener that you’re talking about a pair.

Examples of “Both” as a Pronoun

Both were missing from the meeting.
Both arrived late.

In these cases, both stands alone and replaces the noun entirely.

Examples of “Both” as a Deteminer

Both students scored above 90.
Both teams played aggressively.

Here, both modify a noun.

The confusion usually begins when you pair both with a pronoun like them, us, or you. This is where people start asking the big question.

Is “Both of Them” Grammatically Correct?

Here’s the short answer.

Yes. “Both of them” is grammatically correct.

English allows the structure:

both + of + object pronoun

which means the following are all correct:

both of tem
both of us
both of you
both of these
both of the students

Native speakers use these forms constantly. They appear in everyday speech, business communication, literature, and formal writing.

Why the Phrase Sounds Redundant to Some People

Some grammar purists argue that “both” already implies “them,” which is why learners hesitate. But English has countless places where redundancy enhances clarity or rhythm. Phrases like:

repeat again
close proximity
exact same

are technically redundant yet commonly accepted.

So the phrase “both of them” is not only correct but also completely natural.

Everyday Examples

I invited both of them to dinner.
Both of them agreed with the decision.
I spoke to both of them yesterday.

Each example shows how the phrase makes the sentence clearer and smoother.

When You Should Use “Both of Them”

You use “both of them” whn you want to:

identify a specific pair
emphasize the two people or things clearly
show inclusiveness or completeness
sound natural in storytelling

Clarity Matters Most

The pronoun “them” adds precision. If the audience might confuse which pair you’re talking about, adding the pronoun removes that ambiguity.

Examples Where “Both” Alone Is Too Vague

Compare:

Less clear:
Both agreed.
(Who? The managers? The clients? The twins?)

Clear
Both of them agreed.
(Now readers know it’s the specific pair already mentioned.)

Table: When to Use “Both of Them”

Situation	Use “Both of Them”?	Explanation
Identifying a specific pair	Yes	Adds clarity
Storytelling	Yes	Sounds natural and rhythmic
Formal writing	Yes	Grammatically acceptable
When “both” alone causes confusion	Yes	Improves precision
Redundant contexts	Optional	Can omit “them” to shorten sentence

Using both of them isn’t just correct. It’s often the most clear, reader-friendly, and natural-sounding option.

When It’s Better to Use “Both” Without “Them”

While “both of them” is correct, sometimes “both” alone works even better.

The goal isn’t to remove “them” every time; it’s to avoid unnecessary repetition and keep your writing smooth.

Examples Where “Both” Alone Is Better

Both are ready.
Both agreed to the terms.
Both finished early.

In these sentences, adding “them” doesn’t add meaning. It simply lengthens the sentence.

Rule of Thumb

Use “both” alone when:

the subject is obvious
the sentence already names the pair
brevity improves the flow

Elliptical Constructions

English allows dropping words when the meaning remains clear. This linguistic shortcut keeps sentences light and conversational.

Example:
Both students completed their assignments.
→ No need to say both of them students.

“Both of Them” vs. “Both Them” — What’s the Difference?

This is where many learners get stuck.

❌ “Both them” is incorrect.

You cannot drop the word “of” when using “both” before an object pronoun.

Correct structure:
both + of + pronoun

Examples:

both of them
both of us
both of you

Why “Both Them” Doesn’t Work

Object pronouns after determiners must be linked with “of.”

You wouldn’t say:

all them
none them
many them

You say:

all of them
none of them
many of them

The same rule applies to both.

Dialect Variations

In some informal dialects (such as Scottish English), you may hear expressions like “both them,” but they are not standard English and should be avoided in writing.

“Both of Them Are” or “Both of Them Is”?

This section matters because subject-verb agreement is a major source of mistakes.

Correct Form:

“Both of them are”

Why?
Because “both” always refers to two, and two is plural. Plural subjects require plural verbs.

Correct Examples

Both of them are ready to leave.
Both of them are attending the workshop.
Both of them are willing to help.

❌ Incorrect

Both of them is ready.
Both of them is coming.

Even if the rest of the sentence feels singular, the subject both remains plural.

Read More:Understanding the Nuances: “Would You Be Available” vs

Alternatives to “Both of Them”

Sometimes you want variety. Other times you want a more precise tone. These alternatives help you keep your writing fresh.

Common Alternatives

Both
The two of them
Each of them
They both
Both parties
The pair
Each one (different meaning)

Nuance Between Alternatives

Phrase	Meaning	Best Use
Both	General reference to two items	Short sentences
Both of them	More specific and clearer	Storytelling, emphasis
They both	Natural and conversational	Speech, informal writing
The two of them	Dramatic tone	Narratives
Each of them	Individual focus	Comparing differences

Examples

They both arrived early.
The two of them refused the offer.
Each of them responded differently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning how to use both of them correctly means avoiding predictable errors.

Typical Errors

Using “both” for more than two things
Dropping “of” and writing “both them”
Confusing “both” with “each”
Adding extra pronouns unnecessarily
Mixing singular verbs with “both”

Correct vs. Incorrect Examples

Incorrect	Correct
Both of them left early.	Both of them left early.
Both of them is ready.	Both of them are ready.
Both of the three students passed.	All three students passed.
Each of them are responsible.	Each of them is responsible.

Usage in Formal vs. Informal English

A common myth suggests that both of them are informal. That’s not true. The phrase fits comfortably in both formal and informal contexts.

Formal Contexts

Academic writing
Business emails
Legal writing
Workplace documents

Example:
Both of them submitted their proposals before the deadline.

Informal Contexts

Text messages
Friendly conversations
Social media posts

Example:
I saw both of them at the café today.

In both contexts, the phrase feels natural and correct.

British vs. American English Differences

Both American and British English accept the phrase “both of them.” The usage is nearly identical. However, there are slight tone variations.

American English

Tends to prefer shorter phrasing and more contractions:

They both agreed.
Both of them are coming.

British English

Allows more formal variations:

Both of them have arrived.
The two of them were delighted.

The meaning remains the same across both dialects.

Examples of “Both of Them” in Sentences

Below is a collection of varied examples from everyday contexts.

Daily Life Examples

I asked both of them to help me lift the sofa.
Both of them planned the surprise party.
The teacher congratulated both of them.

Academic & Professional Examples

Both of them presented strong arguments.
The committee approved both of them for the scholarship.
Both of them participated in the research project.

Emotion & Storytelling Example

She hugged both of them tightly before leaving.
Both of them stood in silence.
He trusted both of them with his secret.

Table: 20 Versatile Sentence Examples

Sentence Type	Example
Informal	I saw both of them at the mall.
Polite	Could you please ask both of them to join the meeting?
Emotional	Both of them cried when they heard the news.
Instructional	Check if both of them work before installing the device.
Academic	Both of them contributed valuable insights to the study.
Technical	Both of them support 5G connectivity.
Business	Both of them accepted the contract terms.
Travel	Both of them booked seats by the window.
Sports	Both of them scored in the final match.
Family	Both of them resemble their mother.

Real-World Scenarios Showing Correct Usage

Understanding grammar becomes easier when you see how people use the phrase in real situations.

Scenario: A Teacher

A teacher summarizing test results might say:

“Both of them improved significantly this semester.”

Clear, encouraging, and grammatically solid.

Scenario: A Manager

A workplace manager giving instructions:

“Please remind both of them about the client meeting at 3 PM.”

The pronoun “them” keeps the instruction specific.

Scenario: A Parent

A parent explaining behavior:

“Both of them fell asleep in the car.”

Natural and conversational.

Scenario: A Writer

A novelist describing two characters:

“Both of them stared at the map, unsure where to go next.”

The phrase adds rhythm and emphasis in storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Is It Correct to Say Both of Them?”

Is “both of them” formal?

Yes. It works in both formal and informal contexts.

Is it redundant to say “both of them”?

Sometimes, but redundancy isn’t always wrong. Use it when it adds clarity or improves flow.

Can I say “both them”?

No. Always say “both of them.”

Should I say “both of them are” or “both of them is”?

Always use are because “both” is plural.

Is “the both of them” correct?

Yes in informal speech, but it’s less common in formal writing.

Can “both” refer to more than two?

No. Only two.

Conclusion

So is it correct to say “both of them”?
Absolutely. The phrase is standard, natural, and widely used in spoken and written English. It clarifies which two people or things you’re referring to, and it fits every context—from casual conversations to academic writing. The key is understanding when it adds clarity and when you can streamline your sentences by using “both” alone.

Now that you’ve seen the structure, the rules, the examples, and real-world usage, you can use the phrase confidently. You can also decide when alternatives like “they both” or “the two of them” improve the tone of your writing.

When clarity matters, go ahead and say “both of them.”
It’s correct, natural, and absolutely acceptable.

Bella Rae