they bonded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they bonded" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to two or more individuals forming a connection or developing a close relationship with each other. Example: "During the camping trip, Sarah and John bonded over their shared love for hiking and nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They bonded quickly.

The New York Times - Magazine

They bonded with her.

The New York Times

They bonded over an EpiPen.

The Guardian - Sport

Over embossed endpapers, they bonded.

The New York Times

They bonded over being single parents.

The New York Times

They bonded as immigration hard-liners.

The New Yorker

To use their own term, they bonded.

The New York Times

They bonded over their local connection.

The Washington Post

When they first met they bonded over their mutual love.

The Guardian - Music

But they bonded, having just gone through similar ordeals.

The New York Times

Perhaps they bonded over a shared talent for image-creation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they bonded" to describe the formation of a close relationship or connection between individuals, especially when highlighting shared experiences or mutual understanding.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "they bonded" might sound too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Consider using phrases like "they established a strong relationship" or "they developed a close connection" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they bonded" functions as a concise way to describe the formation of a close relationship or connection between two or more individuals. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they bonded" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the formation of a close relationship between individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, predominantly in the News & Media and Academia categories. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral and informal contexts, with more formal alternatives available for professional settings. According to Ludwig, this phrase effectively conveys the development of a significant connection through shared experiences or mutual understanding. When aiming for precision in conveying relationship dynamics, consider related phrases such as "they connected deeply" or "they became close" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they became close

A more concise way of expressing a similar sentiment.

they formed a close relationship

Highlights the development of an intimate bond.

they grew close

Implies a gradual development of closeness.

they developed a strong connection

Highlights the strength of the bond.

they connected deeply

Emphasizes the depth of the connection formed.

they established a rapport

Focuses on the establishment of mutual understanding and harmony.

they became friends

A general term indicating the formation of a friendly relationship.

they hit it off

An idiomatic expression suggesting an immediate connection.

they found common ground

Indicates that shared interests or beliefs led to a connection.

they united

Suggests a coming together for a common purpose, leading to a bond.

FAQs

What does "they bonded" mean?

The phrase "they bonded" means that two or more people formed a close relationship or connection, often through shared experiences or mutual understanding.

How can I use "they bonded" in a sentence?

You can use "they bonded" to describe how people became close, for example: "During the project, "they bonded over" their shared passion for the subject matter."

What are some alternatives to "they bonded"?

Alternatives include "they connected", "they became close", or "they formed a relationship", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "they bonded" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they bonded" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "they cultivated a strong alliance" or "they established a close rapport".