Clarifying the Correct Usage of 'Both of Us' and 'There are Two of Us'
The correct choice between 'both of us' and 'there are two of us' can often be confusing. Despite their similarities, each phrase has its specific nuances, making it essential to use them appropriately for clarity and accuracy. This article will delve into the correct usage of these phrases and highlight the differences through practical examples.
Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is 'there are two of us.'
In English, 'there are' is used when referring to plural subjects. It signifies the existence of more than one entity. On the other hand, 'both of us' is used to emphasize the unity or agreement between two specific individuals and is often followed by a specific reference. Here are some examples to illustrate their usage:
The Both of Us
Using 'the both of us' can provide clarity, especially in situations where the two individuals involved need to be explicitly identified. This structure emphasizes the unity and agreement of the two parties. For example:
"Your mother and I want you to text the both of us when you arrive in London."
In this sentence, 'the both of us' clearly refers to a specific pair, making the statement unambiguous. Without 'the', 'both of us' could be interpreted as addressing a general agreement without specifying whom it involves.
Both of Us
'Both of us' is a more direct and concise way to indicate agreement between two specific individuals. For instance:
"Both of us agree that we should meet at the park."
This sentence clearly states that you and the other person are in agreement. If the context already explicitly identifies the two individuals, 'both of us' can be used without 'the'. If no specific individuals are identified, it could be vague, as seen in the following example:
"Both of us want you to text us when you arrive in London."
This could be misunderstood since it doesn't specify who 'both of us' refers to. Therefore, 'both of us' is best used in situations where the two specific individuals are identified for clarity.
Both of Them
'Both of them' is the correct choice in most cases. 'Both' inherently means 'the two,' so you avoid redundancy by not adding 'the' again. For instance:
"Both of them want to join the committee."
Saying 'the both of them' would be redundant and not grammatically correct. However, it's worth noting that in American English, 'the both' is sometimes used colloquially. Although it may be accepted in casual speech, it is not considered grammatically correct in formal writing or among non-American English speakers.
Singular Versus Plural Usage
The correct usage also depends on whether the subject is singular or plural. For example, you would say 'there is one' when referring to a single entity, while 'there are two' is used for plural entities. Here’s an example:
"There is one choice."
And for plural entities:
"There are two of us."
The article in 'there is' and 'there are' must match the plurality of the following noun or phrase.
Special Cases
There can be specific cases where both phrases might seem acceptable, but in most contexts, one is more appropriate. For example:
"The two of us will start the project tomorrow."
Here, saying 'the both of us' or 'both of us' would be acceptable, but 'there are two of us' would be more natural and clear in context.
"There are two of us starting the project tomorrow."
This version maintains the clarity and context without any ambiguity.
Summary and Conclusion
In summary, the correct usage of 'both of us' and 'there are two of us' primarily depends on the context and clarity required. 'Both of us' is used to emphasize unity between two specific individuals, while 'there are two of us' is a more general way to state the existence of two or more entities. 'Both of them' is correct for a pair of specific individuals without redundancy. Always ensure your choice of phrase enhances the clarity and accuracy of your message.
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