they joined forces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they joined forces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more parties coming together to collaborate or work towards a common goal. Example: "In order to tackle the environmental crisis, they joined forces to create a sustainable initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And so they joined forces.

The New Yorker

So they joined forces.

The New York Times

Why had they joined forces?

The Guardian

If they joined forces, they could rule the world.

The New Yorker

With the brothers in the same general locality, they joined forces increasingly from 1968.

The Guardian - Music

They joined forces and the sand miners monument group was established.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

So they joined forced to tackle their shared problem.

Huffington Post

Unless they join forces.

The Economist

Enraged by his impudence, they join forces.

The Guardian - Books

They join forces and take over the world.

The New York Times

They join forces with a windbag Texas Ranger (Matt Damon).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the outcome of the collaboration, follow up with details about what they achieved together. This provides a more complete picture of the significance of their partnership.

Common error

Avoid using "they joined forces" when the entities are simply coexisting or operating independently in the same space. The phrase implies active cooperation and a shared purpose, not just parallel existence.

Linguistic Context

They joined forces functions as a concise phrase to describe the act of two or more entities combining their resources or efforts for a shared objective. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered correct and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they joined forces" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a collaborative effort between two or more parties. It's versatile, fitting comfortably in news reports, encyclopedic entries, and scientific discussions. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable. While alternatives like "they collaborated" or "they teamed up" exist, "they joined forces" maintains a clear and widely understood meaning. The usage patterns reveal a strong presence in news and media, confirming its role in conveying collaborative actions across diverse domains. By avoiding misuse and understanding the scope of collaboration, you can effectively employ this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they collaborated

Replaces "joined forces" with a single verb emphasizing cooperative effort.

they teamed up

Informal alternative, suggesting the formation of a team for a specific purpose.

they united

Emphasizes the act of becoming one, highlighting solidarity and shared goals.

they allied

Suggests a formal agreement or treaty, often in the context of nations or organizations.

they combined their efforts

Highlights the pooling of resources and energy towards a common objective.

they worked together

A general phrase indicating cooperation, without specifying the nature of the alliance.

they formed an alliance

Explicitly states the creation of a formal partnership or coalition.

they coalesced

Formal term suggesting the merging of different elements into a unified whole.

they partnered

Business-oriented term emphasizing a commercial or strategic relationship.

they consolidated their power

Indicates a merging of influence or control, often in political or organizational contexts.

FAQs

What does "they joined forces" mean?

The phrase "they joined forces" means that two or more entities or individuals have come together to collaborate and work towards a common goal or objective. It implies a united effort and shared purpose.

What are some alternative ways to say "they joined forces"?

You can use alternatives like "they collaborated", "they teamed up", or "they united" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

How can I use "they joined forces" in a sentence?

You can use "they joined forces" to describe situations where individuals, groups, or organizations are working together to achieve a specific outcome, such as "The two companies "partnered" for the project".

Is "they joined forces" formal or informal?

The phrase "they joined forces" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "they allied" or "they formed an alliance" might be preferred in highly formal settings.