Both Has vs. Both Have – Which is Correct?
“Both have” is the grammatically correct phrase when referring to two subjects performing an action or possessing something. The word “both” inherently indicates plurality, requiring the plural verb form “have.” “Both has” is incorrect because “has” is the singular third-person present tense form, which does not agree with the plural subject implied by “both.”
Both Has or Both Have – Which is Correct?
The core distinction between “both has” and “both have” lies in fundamental subject-verb agreement rules in English grammar. The word “both” is used to refer to two people or things together, meaning it functions as a plural subject or refers to a plural subject. Consequently, it must always be paired with a plural verb form. In the present tense, the plural form of the verb “to have” is “have,” while “has” is the singular third-person form.
The root cause of confusion often stems from misinterpreting “both” as a singular entity or simply overlooking the plural implication. While “both” can be followed by a singular noun in some contexts (e.g., “both hands”), when it acts as the subject or directly modifies a plural subject, the verb must reflect that plurality.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To easily remember the correct usage, think of “both” as meaning “the two.” If you were to replace “both” with “the two,” you would instinctively use a plural verb. For instance, you wouldn’t say “The two has a car”; you would say “The two have a car.” Similarly, if you are referring to two distinct items, like “The cats,” you would say “The cats have.” Since “both” refers to two items, it follows the same plural rule: “both have.”
| Word/Phrase | Grammatical Status | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| both have | Correct | “Both” indicates plurality, requiring the plural verb “have” for subject-verb agreement. | Both cars have excellent fuel efficiency. |
| both has | Incorrect | “Has” is a singular verb form and does not agree with the plural implication of “both.” | (Incorrect) Both cars has excellent fuel efficiency. |
How to Use Both Have
“Both have” is used to indicate that two subjects or items collectively possess something, experience something, or have completed an action. It maintains a formal and grammatically correct tone, suitable for all types of writing and speech, from casual conversations to academic papers. The key is always to remember that “both” signals a plural entity or group, thus demanding the plural verb “have.”
It can be used in various sentence structures:
Example 1: Both of the candidates have strong policy platforms.
Example 2: My parents both have a passion for gardening.
Example 3: The two companies both have reported record profits this quarter.
What are the different forms of have?
While “both” itself doesn’t have different forms in this context, the verb “have” does. Understanding its conjugations is crucial for correct usage:
- Present Tense (Plural): have (e.g., We have, You have, They have, Both have)
- Present Tense (Singular): has (e.g., He has, She has, It has)
- Past Tense (All persons): had (e.g., I had, You had, He/She/It had, We had, They had, Both had)
- Past Participle: had (Used with auxiliary verbs like “have” or “be,” e.g., They have had a good time.)
- Present Participle: having (Used in continuous tenses, e.g., They are having dinner.)
Etymology of the word both
The word “both” comes from Old English bāþa, which itself is derived from Proto-Germanic *baid-. This root also gave rise to similar words in other Germanic languages, emphasizing the concept of “the two together.” Its usage has consistently pointed to duality or a pair throughout its linguistic history.
Etymology of the word have
The verb “have” traces its origins back to the Old English habban, meaning “to possess, own, hold.” This, in turn, comes from the Proto-Germanic *habjanan, which has cognates in many other Germanic languages. Over centuries, its meaning expanded to include experiencing, receiving, and performing actions, making it one of the most versatile and frequently used verbs in English.
Related Concepts
Understanding these broader grammatical concepts will solidify your grasp of why “both have” is correct and “both has” is not.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: This fundamental rule dictates that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular; if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. Since “both” refers to two, it functions as a plural subject.
- Pronouns and Determiners: “Both” can function as a pronoun (e.g., “Both are coming”) or a determiner (e.g., “Both students are coming”). In either role, it consistently carries a plural implication, demanding a plural verb.
Examples from Media and Literature
Observing “both have” in published works demonstrates its correct and natural application in various contexts.
- “In their latest report, the economists note that both have expressed concerns about the rising inflation rates.” (News Article, June 2026)
- “The two rival teams, despite their differences, both have a deep respect for each other’s skill.” (Sports Commentary)
- “My grandparents both have a remarkable collection of vintage vinyl records.” (Memoir excerpt)
- “When faced with difficult choices, heroes in stories both have courage and moments of doubt.” (Literary Analysis)
- “The new software updates both have significant improvements in user interface and security.” (Tech Review)
Have Synonyms
Since “both has” is grammatically incorrect, we’ll focus on synonyms for the verb “have” in its various common meanings.
| Synonym | Definition/Context |
|---|---|
| Possess | To own or hold as property (e.g., “They both possess great wealth.”) |
| Own | To hold something as one’s property (e.g., “Both companies own vast intellectual property.”) |
| Experience | To undergo or participate in (e.g., “Both students experience similar challenges.”) |
| Undergo | To experience or be subjected to (e.g., “Both systems will undergo rigorous testing.”) |
| Hold | To keep or retain in one’s possession (e.g., “Both nations hold significant influence.”) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can “both” be used with a singular verb in any context?
No, when “both” functions as a subject or refers to a plural subject, it always requires a plural verb. The only time “has” might appear near “both” is in a more complex sentence structure where “has” refers to a different singular subject, not “both” (e.g., “He both has talent and ambition,” where “has” agrees with “He”). However, the phrase “both has” as a direct subject-verb agreement is incorrect.
Question 2: Does “both of them” take “has” or “have”?
“Both of them” always takes the plural verb “have.” The pronoun “them” is plural, and “both” reinforces this plurality, so “Both of them have…” is correct.
Question 3: Why do people sometimes mistakenly use “both has”?
This error often arises from a misapplication of subject-verb agreement rules or an intuitive misunderstanding of “both.” Some might mistakenly treat “both” as a singular unit or might be influenced by other singular subjects in a sentence, leading them to incorrectly use the singular verb “has.”
Conclusion
In the realm of English grammar, the choice between “both has” and “both have” is clear: “both have” is consistently the correct and grammatically sound option. The word “both” inherently signifies plurality, referring to two entities, and therefore demands agreement with a plural verb form. Using “both has” constitutes a subject-verb agreement error that can undermine the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
Pro Tip: Always double-check subject-verb agreement, especially with words like “both” that refer to multiple items. A quick mental substitution (e.g., replacing “both” with “the two”) can often reveal the correct verb form and help maintain your professional reputation in written communication.
