they both were

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they both were" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about two people who have something in common. For example, "They both were excited to start their first day at their new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They both were.

The New York Times - Sports

They both were dismissed.

Yale University

"They both were painters.

The Guardian

"They both were stubborn.

The New York Times - Sports

If so, they both were wrong.

The New York Times

And they both were underdogs, too.

The New York Times - Sports

They both were experimenting — one hopefully, the other tragically.

The New York Times - Books

He married Claire Gunn when they both were 18.

The New York Times

They both were ardent cold warriors and political moderates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But over all she was healthy; they both were.

The New York Times

It was only when saying good night and goodbye that they discovered they both were single.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they both were", ensure the pronoun 'they' clearly refers to two specific subjects previously mentioned in the text to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they both were" when the antecedent of 'they' is unclear or could refer to more than two entities. Rephrase to specify the two subjects explicitly for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they both were" functions as a subject-verb complement, linking a plural subject ('they') to a description of their state or condition. Ludwig shows numerous examples where this phrase introduces a shared attribute or experience. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they both were" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that two subjects share a common attribute, state, or experience. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it is essential to ensure clarity in pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "both of them were" for emphasis or to remove potential ambiguity. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use this phrase to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both of them were

Emphasizes the 'both' more explicitly, adding a slight emphasis on the duality.

the two of them were

Specifies the number of subjects involved, creating a more formal tone.

each of them was

Highlights the individual aspect of the two subjects before attributing the shared characteristic.

both individuals were

Replaces 'them' with 'individuals' to create a more formal and detached tone.

they had both been

Shifts the tense to past perfect, indicating a state prior to a past event.

the pair were

Uses 'the pair' as a collective noun to refer to the two subjects.

each was

Focuses on the individual nature of the subjects, implying a shared trait without explicitly stating 'both'.

in both cases they were

Adds a contextual element, suggesting the statement applies within specific scenarios.

they jointly were

Replaces 'both' with 'jointly', emphasizing the shared or collaborative nature of the state.

they equally were

Highlights the equality of the state or condition between the two subjects.

FAQs

How do I use "they both were" in a sentence?

Use "they both were" to describe a shared characteristic, action, or state of being that applies to two specific subjects. For example, "John and Mary studied hard; they both were successful on the exam."

What are some alternatives to "they both were"?

Alternatives include "both of them were", "each of them was", or "the two of them were", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they both was"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. Since 'they' is plural, the correct verb form is 'were'. Therefore, the correct phrase is "they both were".

When should I use "they both were" instead of "both of them were"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable, "they both were" is generally considered more concise and natural in everyday conversation. "Both of them were" can be used for emphasis or when 'they' might be ambiguous.