they sat together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they sat together" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where two or more people are seated in close proximity to each other, often implying a sense of companionship or unity. Example: "During the meeting, they sat together, sharing ideas and collaborating on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They sat together.

The New Yorker

They sat together in class.

The New Yorker

They sat together one afternoon watching television.

The New York Times

They sat together on a curb and cried.

The New Yorker

After dinner, one evening, they sat together in the saloon.

The New Yorker

One afternoon, they sat together in her office discussing strategies.

The New York Times

They sat together on his sofa, and she said, "It's been a long time".

The New Yorker

After she said yes, they sat together on a camping mat and ate s'mores.

The New York Times

They sat together in the rattling car and talked about doughnuts.

The New Yorker

She was going to Oklahoma on the same coach, and they sat together.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They sit together on the bus ride back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they sat together" to simply describe the physical act of people sitting near each other. Context will usually provide further detail about their relationship or shared activity.

Common error

While "they sat together" suggests nearness, avoid assuming a shared purpose or agreement unless explicitly stated. Proximity doesn't always equal harmony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they sat together" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the action of sitting in close proximity. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it often sets the scene or context for further actions or emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they sat together" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the act of people being seated near one another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its primary function is descriptive, often setting the stage for further narrative development. While its register is generally neutral, its implications depend heavily on context, which can suggest companionship, shared experience, or merely physical proximity. Considering possible misinterpretations, like assuming unity from mere proximity, is crucial. It is highly frequent in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were seated together

Focuses more on the physical arrangement of sitting, emphasizing the act of being seated side by side.

they shared a seat

Highlights the act of sharing the same seating arrangement.

they gathered closely

Emphasizes a sense of closeness and potentially a group activity.

they were side by side

Emphasizes the physical positioning of being next to one another.

they were close to each other

Highlights the spatial dimension and the closeness of their positions.

they huddled together

Suggests a close gathering, often for warmth, protection, or secrecy.

they congregated in proximity

More formal, emphasizing the act of coming together in a specific location.

they were in each other's company

Focuses on the social aspect of being together, not necessarily limited to sitting.

they were united in seating

Highlights togetherness by using the word 'united', which gives importance to the purpose or reasons of being together.

they were assembled in a group

Highlights the fact of being arranged for a specific motive.

FAQs

What does "they sat together" imply?

The phrase "they sat together" primarily implies physical proximity while seated. The specific context often enriches its meaning, suggesting companionship, shared experiences, or mutual support. For instance, "They sat together on the bus" simply indicates shared seating, whereas "They sat together after the service, offering comfort" suggests emotional support.

What are some alternatives to "they sat together"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they were seated together" (emphasizing arrangement), "they huddled together" (suggesting closeness for warmth or protection), or "they were in each other's company" (focusing on the social aspect).

Is it grammatically correct to say "they sat together"?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It follows standard sentence structure, with "they" as the subject, "sat" as the verb, and "together" as an adverb modifying the verb.

How does the meaning of "they sat together" change with different prepositions?

Adding prepositions can significantly alter the meaning. For example, "they sat together in silence" specifies the manner of their sitting. "They sat together for hours" indicates the duration. The added preposition provides more descriptive detail.