they stood together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they stood together" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where two or more people are physically close to each other, often implying unity or support. Example: "During the ceremony, they stood together, showing their solidarity in front of the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They stood together, they talked.

The New Yorker

They stood together holding hands.

The New Yorker

They stood together and went out into the street.

The New Yorker

"They stood together even when they were apart," Freeman writes.

The New York Times - Books

They stood together in a small, purposeful group.

The New Yorker

Here they stood together again as their national anthem played.

The New York Times - Sports

They stood together and took absolutely no crap.

The Guardian - Sport

For months afterward, they stood together at funerals.

The New York Times

As long as they stood together, men, even Attila the Hun, were dispensable.

The New York Times - Arts

Soon the family arrived, in a column of S.U.V.'s, and they stood together for portraits.

The New York Times

They stood together, got their sliver of the media spotlight and headed off.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they stood together" to convey a sense of unity, solidarity, or shared experience, particularly when describing a physical presence or a moment of collective action.

Common error

Avoid using "they stood together" excessively in overly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be required. Consider alternatives like "they collaborated" or "they concurred" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they stood together" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as the main verb phrase in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase indicates a state of being or action of physical proximity and unity. The phrase commonly adds descriptive element to the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they stood together" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote unity, support, or physical proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of solidarity. While versatile, it's best employed to emphasize collective action or shared experience. Remember to consider the level of formality in your writing and, if needed, opt for synonyms like "they were united" or "they joined forces" for a more precise or sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they stood side by side

Emphasizes the physical proximity, mirroring the original phrase but with a slightly different wording.

they were shoulder to shoulder

Suggests close physical proximity and mutual support, with a slightly more figurative connotation.

they were united

Focuses on the concept of unity and shared purpose rather than physical positioning.

they were a united front

Focuses on the appearance of solidarity and agreement presented to others.

they were in agreement

Emphasizes a shared opinion or consensus, shifting the focus from physical presence.

they stuck together

Implies loyalty and mutual support, especially in challenging circumstances.

they allied themselves

Highlights a formal or strategic alignment, suggesting a deliberate act of joining forces.

they joined forces

Implies a collaborative effort towards a common goal, diverging slightly from the original phrase's emphasis on physical closeness.

they made common cause

Highlights a shared cause or objective, moving away from the physical aspect.

they acted in concert

Highlights coordinated action, implying a planned or synchronized effort.

FAQs

How can I use "they stood together" in a sentence?

Use "they stood together" to illustrate a moment of unity, support, or shared experience. For example, "During the protest, "they stood together", showing their solidarity."

What are some alternatives to "they stood together"?

You can use alternatives like "they were united", "they stood side by side", or "they joined forces" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "they stood together" or "they stood as one"?

"They stood together" emphasizes physical proximity and unity, while "they stood as one" suggests a more profound level of agreement and unified purpose. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight physical presence or collective intention.

What does it imply when a sentence says "they stood together"?

The sentence implies a sense of solidarity, shared purpose, or mutual support. It can also simply denote a physical arrangement where people are close to each other.