we both did

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence "we both did" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to refer to two people taking a certain action together. For example, "We had been working hard, but last night, we both did something fun for a change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We both did!

The New York Times - Magazine

We both did very well.

The Guardian

"We both did the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

We both did many things together.

The New York Times

"But we both did, so I can't blame him.

The New York Times

I think we both did in our own way.

The Guardian - Music

(Wirth disputes this: "We both did all of it").

The New Yorker

"We both did what we had to do," Janssen said.

The New York Times - Sports

Siobhán: "I think we both did it out of necessity rather than want.

The Guardian - Music

"You two smoke?" We shook our heads no, though we both did.

The New Yorker

"I spent some time with him in Abu Dhabi, where we both did shows.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we both did", ensure that the context makes it clear what action is being referred to. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient information about the action either before or after the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "we both did" without a clear reference to the action being described. Without context, the phrase can be confusing and leave the reader wondering what was actually done.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we both did" functions as a conjunction phrase, indicating that two subjects performed the same action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showcasing various examples where it connects subjects to a shared activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we both did" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that two individuals have shared an action or experience. As noted by Ludwig AI, this expression is considered correct and widely usable in written English. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, and its communicative purpose is to highlight shared activities. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. When other phrase alternatives are needed, consider using "we acted similarly", "we shared the action", or "both of us performed it" to achieve a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we shared the action

Highlights the shared aspect of the action, suggesting a collaborative or simultaneous involvement.

we acted similarly

Focuses on the similarity in actions, emphasizing the manner rather than the specific deed.

we undertook it together

Stresses the collaborative aspect of the action, suggesting a joint effort or undertaking.

both of us performed it

A more formal way of stating the shared action, suitable for contexts requiring precision.

we did it in unison

Highlights the simultaneous nature of the action, suggesting coordination or agreement.

we were both involved

Emphasizes involvement rather than direct action, suitable when the degree of participation is varied.

each of us did it

Underscores individual participation, implying that the action was performed independently by each person.

it was a mutual action

Highlights the reciprocity of the action, suggesting agreement or shared intent.

we engaged in the same activity

A broader way to describe the shared action, suitable when the activity is more complex than a simple deed.

we partook equally

Emphasizes the equal participation in the action, highlighting fairness or balance.

FAQs

How to use "we both did" in a sentence?

Use "we both did" to indicate that two people performed the same action. For example, "We both studied hard for the exam, and we both passed".

What can I say instead of "we both did"?

You can use alternatives like "we acted similarly", "we shared the action", or "both of us performed it" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we both did" or "both of us did"?

Both "we both did" and "both of us did" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence. "We both did" is often more concise and conversational.

What's the difference between "we both did" and "we did both"?

"We both did" indicates that two people performed the same action. "We did both" implies that a group of people performed two different actions. The placement of "both" significantly alters the meaning.