"Both stand valid" or "Both stands valid"

I was answering a question in ELL and I got stuck between the usage of 'stand' and 'stands' in the phrase 'both stand/stands valid'. Which one is the correct version?

Context:

(Question) Which is correct ? "I was alone since last month" or "I had been alone since last month" ?
(Answer) "Both stands valid as neither of them are incorrect"

Varun Nair

Posted 2015-12-03T10:40:49.607

Reputation: 7 920

3What are 'both'? More than one? Then a plural verb. Also, alternative way to tell that is - *"...both are valid"*. – Maulik V – 2015-12-03T10:45:11.257

I know 'are' can be used. But that's not my question. "Both" refers to "two among two", yes, a plural verb. Do you want me to elaborate on the context to give you a little more information ? – Varun Nair – 2015-12-03T10:48:21.727

I believe it is "stands", the "plural verb" helped me...Thanks. – Varun Nair – 2015-12-03T10:50:37.067

1(Question) Which is correct ? "I was alone since last month" or "I had been alone since last month" ? (Answer) "Both stands valid as neither of them are incorrect" – Varun Nair – 2015-12-03T11:26:01.937

1@VarunKN - I think you have misunderstood. The plural form is stand, not stands. I stand, you stand, it stands, but they stand. Since there are two things, they stand and both stand. – stangdon – 2015-12-03T15:38:03.720

@VarunKN I think stangdon understand your confusion right. I was a bit surprised since I wouldn't expect someone who has a good command of English like you would have a problem with Both is/are, but it could happen, I suppose. – Damkerng T. – 2015-12-03T16:06:27.123

"Both stand valid" or "Both stands valid"

Answers