goes together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "goes together" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two or more things are compatible, harmonious, or suited to be combined. Example: "The colors in this painting really go together, creating a beautiful and cohesive look."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It all goes together.

The New York Times - Sports

It goes together".

The New York Times

The plate goes together quickly, yet wows.

The New York Times - Food

"A book is a clump of knowledge that goes together".

The New Yorker

"It all goes together -- fine wine, fine art".

The New York Times

"There's something about green grass and cattle that goes together".

The New York Times

Your bikini - well, it goes together with your Porsche".

The Guardian - Travel

And somehow, improbably, it all goes together beautifully.

The New York Times - Magazine

It means that it only goes together one way.

The Guardian - Film

The misapprehension of historical reality that goes together with this reinvention can take a comical turn.

The New York Times - Arts

If you see a Morris interior it all goes together beautifully".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing elements that naturally complement each other, use "goes together" to convey a sense of inherent compatibility and harmony.

Common error

While "goes together" is widely understood, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "harmonizes", "correlates", or "is consistent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes together" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating compatibility, harmony, or a natural association between two or more elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to express that things combine well.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "goes together" is a versatile verb phrase signifying compatibility or harmony between elements. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal synonyms in academic or professional settings for enhanced precision. Common in News & Media and Science contexts, this phrase effectively communicates the idea of a natural or logical pairing. Consider more formal synonyms in highly formal texts, as well as the helpful suggestions in the sections above.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belongs together

Suggests an inherent or natural pairing.

complements each other

Highlights how items enhance each other.

matches well

Emphasizes similarity or suitability in appearance or function.

fits together

Indicates a seamless or logical connection.

is compatible with

Stresses the ability to coexist or function without conflict.

works well with

Suggests effective combination or cooperation.

harmonizes with

Focuses on aesthetic or functional agreement.

coordinates with

Focuses on visual or organizational alignment.

is consistent with

Highlights agreement or logical coherence.

is interconnected

Emphasizes mutual relationship or dependence.

FAQs

How can I use "goes together" in a sentence?

You can use "goes together" to describe things that are compatible or well-matched. For example, "Peanut butter and jelly "belong together"", or "Her outfit really "matches well"".

What are some alternatives to "goes together"?

Alternatives include phrases like "harmonizes with", "is compatible with", or "fits together", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "goes together" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "goes together" might be considered too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider alternatives such as "is consistent with" or "correlates with" for a more formal tone.

What does it mean when something "goes together"?

When something "goes together", it means that the items or elements combine well, are suited to each other, or create a harmonious or logical pairing. It implies a sense of compatibility or natural connection.