Jul 09 2008
When Nothing Is Better Than Both
Yesterday Senator John Edwards was interviewed on National Public Radio. As he talked about his initiative to alleviate poverty in America, I heard him say, “We need to mobilize and energize both Americans who are committed to this issue and …” (He went on to mention who else needed to be mobilized and energized.)
When the words “both Americans” came out of his mouth, I thought, “So you mean there are only two Americans who are committed to this issue?”
Okay, I knew he meant to say that there are two groups that need to be mobilized and energized: (1) Americans who are committed to this issue, and (2) some other group of people that I didn’t pay attention to because I was so excited about his misuse of the word “both.” Anyway, that’s not what he said. He said “both Americans,” which in my book means two Americans. I don’t know about you, but it’s difficult to get excited about a nationwide movement that has only attracted two people.
The mistake he made is all too common. If you pay attention, you will hear it and see it in print frequently. Let’s look again at what he said and look at a few fixes.
- WHAT HE SAID: “We need to mobilize and energize both Americans who are committed to this issue and …”
- WHAT HE SHOULD HAVE SAID: “We need to mobilize and energize Americans who are committed to this issue and …”
- OR: “We need to mobilize and energize Americans who are committed to this issue, as well as …”
- OR: “We need to mobilize and energize not only Americans who are committed to this issue, but also …”
- OR: “We need to mobilize and energize not only Americans who are committed to this issue, but … as well.”
As you can see, there are several ways to avoid the misused “both” conundrum. There’s no reason to fall into the trap.
One last thought: Don’t feel like an idiot if you make this mistake and please don’t look down on those who do. Despite the fact that he wanted to be president, John Edwards is an intelligent, articulate person, and he blew it, too.
