they linked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they linked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of connecting or coming together, often in a social or collaborative context. Example: "After years of working in different cities, they linked up at a conference and decided to collaborate on a project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

JV Is human rights and water, are they linked up?

The Guardian

They linked up with other groups opposed to a Tutsi-led Rwanda and its ally Uganda.

The Economist

They linked up with the food technology department, and some groups were allowed to cook their dishes.

The Guardian

They linked up to solve the controversy over the whereabouts of Dilmun, the paradise visited by Gilgamesh, a land given to Ziusudra, the Babylonian Noah, after the flood.

The New York Times

"They linked up in their college years and stayed in a very tight web throughout their lives to create American society in their own image".

The New York Times

These elements of Saddam's repressive regime and secret police have reorganized, rearmed, and adopted sophisticated terrorist tactics" as they linked up with foreign fighters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"They link up together to form one giant molecule," Dr. Wudl said.

The New York Times - Science

They link up with the 30-plus-mile Dale Ball trail system.

The New York Times - Travel

They link up and mix up the parts of this body, and generally mess around with it.

Independent

"We are going to describe our dream dates and see if they link up with anyone else in the class.

The New Yorker

On third-and-two at the 28, they link up over the middle for a 12-yard gain.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they linked up" to describe a connection or collaboration between two or more entities, whether people, organizations, or ideas. Be sure to consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of forming a bond or partnership.

Common error

While "they linked up" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. More precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be more appropriate for conveying nuanced relationships or collaborations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they linked up" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a connection or collaboration between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

23%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they linked up" is a commonly used verb phrase to describe a connection or collaboration between entities. As Ludwig AI states, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It finds frequent use in news and media contexts but is also present in Wiki and scientific sources. While generally acceptable, writers should consider the formality of the context, as more precise or sophisticated vocabulary may be more suitable for formal or academic writing. Alternatives include "they connected", "they joined forces", and "they teamed up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they connected

A more general term for establishing a relationship or communication.

they joined forces

Emphasizes collaboration and shared goals.

they met up

Suggests a planned meeting or encounter.

they teamed up

Highlights a collaborative effort, often in a specific task or project.

they collaborated

Focuses on working together towards a common objective.

they associated

Indicates a formal or informal relationship.

they united

Implies a merging or consolidation of entities.

they merged

Suggests a complete combination of two or more entities.

they consolidated

Implies reinforcing their positions by joint.

they converged

Describes entities moving from different directions toward each other.

FAQs

How can I use "they linked up" in a sentence?

You can use "they linked up" to describe people, groups, or even abstract concepts coming together. For example, "The two researchers "they linked up" to conduct the study" or "After the conference, several companies "they linked up" to form a new partnership".

What are some alternatives to "they linked up"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "they connected", "they joined forces", or "they teamed up". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they linked up" too informal for academic writing?

While "they linked up" is generally understood, it may be considered somewhat informal for academic writing. In such contexts, more formal alternatives like "they collaborated" or "they associated" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "they linked up" and "they met up"?

"They met up" typically refers to a planned or coincidental meeting. "They linked up", on the other hand, suggests a more intentional connection or collaboration after the meeting, implying a longer-term relationship or partnership. For example, "They met up for coffee, and "they linked up" afterward to work on the project".