both went

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both went" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two subjects performed the action of going together. Example: "After the meeting, both went to the café to discuss their ideas further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Egyptians and Haitians both went to the polls yesterday.

The New Yorker

Matteo Darmian and Depay both went off at half-time.

Independent

Apple and HTC, meanwhile, both went up.

TechCrunch

And they also both went through token sales.

TechCrunch

- Gonzalez and Davis both went 0-for-8.

Huffington Post

Both went viral.

The New York Times - Books

Both went to work.

Independent

Both went to jail.

The New York Times

"Both went unreturned".

The New York Times

We both went boooom!

The New York Times

Both went into government early.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both went", ensure that the context clearly establishes the two subjects involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, "John and Mary discussed the options, and then they both went to the library."

Common error

Avoid using "both went" when referring to more than two subjects. "All three of them went" is more appropriate when there are three subjects. Ensure the verb agrees with the plural subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both went" functions as a conjunction phrase, indicating that two specific subjects performed the same action of going or moving. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both went" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies shared movement or action by two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. While "both went" maintains a neutral tone, alternative phrases like "they both proceeded" or "they both departed" can introduce nuances of formality. When employing "both went", ensure clarity by clearly identifying the two subjects involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they both moved

Replaces "went" with "moved", a more general term for changing location or position.

they both headed

Replaces "went" with "headed", indicating a direction or intended destination.

they both proceeded

Replaces "went" with "proceeded", implying a more formal or deliberate advancement.

they both advanced

Uses "advanced" instead of "went", suggesting forward movement, often in a strategic or planned manner.

they both departed

Substitutes "went" with "departed", focusing on the act of leaving or setting off from a place.

they both travelled

Uses "travelled" instead of "went", emphasizing the act of journeying or moving over a distance.

they both repaired

Substitutes "went" with "repaired", indicating movement to a place for a specific purpose or task.

they both adjourned

Uses "adjourned" instead of "went", suggesting a formal or official movement to another location.

they both gravitated

Replaces "went" with "gravitated", implying a natural attraction or tendency to move towards something.

they both shifted

Substitutes "went" with "shifted", indicating a slight or subtle change in position or direction.

FAQs

What does "both went" mean?

"Both went" indicates that two specific subjects or entities performed the action of going or moving to a particular place or state. The specific meaning depends on the context of the sentence.

Can I use "they both went" instead of "both went"?

Yes, "they both went" is often interchangeable with "both went". Using "they" can provide additional clarity, especially if the subjects have been previously identified in the text. For example, you can replace "They both went to the party" with alternatives like "they both proceeded" or "they both headed".

Is "both went" formal or informal?

"Both went" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific verb used as a substitute (such as "they both departed" which indicates a more formal context).

What are some alternatives to "both went" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they both headed", "they both moved", or "they both proceeded". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.