Definition of both of you

Short definition: The phrase both of you is used when speaking directly to two people at the same time, emphasizing that what is being said applies equally to each person without separating them.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase both of you? The phrase both of you is very common in spoken and written English. It is used when talking directly to two people at the same time, often to include them equally in a statement, instruction, or feeling. You will hear it in daily conversation, messages, and even formal speech. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels human, clear, and easy to use correctly.

Forms: both of you
Related: both pron., you pron.
Syllable: both of you

1. (Pronoun phrase) Used to refer directly to two people together without excluding either one.

   Both of you is used when speaking to two people and making it clear that what you say applies equally to each person, not just one of them.

   I appreciate both of you for staying late to finish the project even though it was not part of your original schedule.
   The teacher reminded both of you to submit the assignment on time so there would be no confusion later.
   I want both of you to listen carefully because this decision affects everyone involved.

   Synonyms: the two of you, you two together, both people, the pair of you, both individuals, both persons, both parties, both sides, both participants, both members, the two of you equally, both involved
   Antonyms: one of you, either of you, just you, only one person, a single one of you, someone else, one side only, one participant, individual person, separate one, alone, single party

2. (Pronoun phrase) Used to include two people equally in praise blame or responsibility.

   Both of you is often used to show that responsibility, praise, or blame is shared equally between two people.

   The manager said both of you did an excellent job handling the difficult situation professionally.
   I need to speak to both of you about what happened because you were equally involved.
   She thanked both of you for your honesty and teamwork during the discussion.

   Synonyms: you two equally, both parties involved, shared responsibility, joint participants, equal partners, mutual involvement, paired responsibility, equal roles, joint effort, both contributors, shared role, equal share
   Antonyms: one person only, single responsibility, individual blame, sole credit, one sided role, unequal involvement, separate responsibility, only one involved, individual role, lone contributor, single party, one alone