they were together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were together" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more people are in the same place or in a relationship at the same time. Example: "During the summer vacation, they were together every day, exploring new places and making memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

What did they talk about when they were together?

Vice

But they were together.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(They were together 50 years).

The New York Times

They were together nine years.

Harvard Business Review

They were together 61 years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were together for 54 years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Surely they are together.

The New Yorker

They are together again.

The New York Times

"They are together.

The New York Times

"Now they're together".

The New York Times - Sports

But whenever they're together, they chafe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the duration of a relationship, be specific. Instead of just saying "they were together", consider adding "they were together for five years" to provide more context.

Common error

Be mindful of the context. The phrase "they were together" can be ambiguous. Specify the nature of their relationship or shared activity to avoid misinterpretation. For instance, clarify if it was a romantic relationship, a professional collaboration, or simply being in the same place at the same time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were together" functions as a clause element, typically serving as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it indicates a state of being in the past, describing a relationship, shared location, or collaboration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were together" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a past relationship, shared experience, or collaboration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the relationship or shared activity to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "they associated with each other" or "they were in each other's company" for more formal settings. Being mindful of the tense and context will help you use this phrase effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were in each other's company

Formal way of saying they were together.

they spent time with one another

Highlights the mutual aspect of sharing time.

they associated with each other

Focuses on the act of spending time together and interacting.

they shared a bond

Highlights the connection or link between them.

they were side by side

Focuses on the physical closeness and support.

they were in a relationship

Specifically implies a romantic connection.

they united

Implies a merging or joining of forces.

they were an item

Informal way to indicate a romantic relationship.

they partnered up

Suggests a formal or business association.

they collaborated

Emphasizes working together on a project.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were together" to describe two or more people spending time together, being in a relationship, or working together. For example, "They were together at the park", or "They were together for many years".

What can I say instead of "they were together"?

You can use alternatives such as "they associated with each other", "they were in each other's company", or "they shared a bond", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they were together" or "they was together"?

"They were together" is correct. "Were" is the past tense plural form of the verb "to be" and is used with the plural pronoun "they". "Was" is the singular form.

What's the difference between "they were together" and "they are together"?

"They were together" refers to a past situation or relationship, while "they are together" indicates a present situation. For example, "They were together last year" (past) vs. "They are together now" (present).