Wow.  So many problems with “both.”

This is a pretty easy one.  Why do people have so much trouble?

Here’s a good and simple rule of thumb:  Don’t use the word “both” in the same phrase as the word “same,” “equal” or “agree.”  Same for “both” used with “each other” and “in common” and “share.”

I’ve heard this one:  “They both share a common bond.”  That’s red meat.  Even, “They share a common bond,” or “They share these traits in common,” is terrible.  Just don’t use “share” and “(in) common” in the same phrase.  Even, “They have a common bond” stinks. Try, “Kim and Sheila have a bond,” or, “The twins have several traits in common.”  How about, “We share many characteristics”?

There isn’t a problem if you say, “They both agree that capital punishment is a bad idea.”  But, why not simply say, “They agree that capital punishment is a bad idea”?  (Even better, say, “They both think (or believe) that capital punishment is wrong.”)  But, you must not say, “They both agreed with each other.”  Most of the time, “They agree” will suffice.

Don’t do it:  “They both have the same color hair.”  Or, “They both have an equal chance of being elected.” Or, “They’re both the same height.”  So glad to hear that only one of them isn’t the same height.

From the column, “Annie’s Mailbox,” in the newspaper today:  “Since you work the same hours, you should both do equal amounts of housework and share laundry and cooking duties.”  (Made me wonder, with whom should this poor couple share laundry and cooking duties?  Oh.  I guess with each other?)  Could we not have said, “Since the two of you work the same hours, you should do equal amounts of housework and share the laundry and cooking duties”?

Kathy and Marcy:  Give me a call.  I’m happy to do some freelance editing.

Who cares is this stuff is pleonasm or redundance?  It’s just wrong.  And, it’s lazy.