we both knew

USAGE SUMMARY

"we both knew" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two or more people were aware of something. You can use it in different contexts, such as: - We both knew that the project would be challenging, but we were determined to see it through. - It was clear that we both knew what the other was thinking, even without saying a word. - Despite our differences, we both knew that we wanted the same thing for our country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We both knew it.

The New York Times - Sports

We both knew.

The New York Times

We both knew that.

The New York Times - Travel

We both knew we were lying.

The New Yorker

We both knew we couldn't move close.

The New York Times

We both knew what we were doing.

The New York Times - Arts

We both knew what she meant.

The New York Times - Food

But we both knew it was over.

The New Yorker

We both knew the risks involved.

The New York Times

"We both knew we were taking a risk".

The New York Times

"We both knew the rent would be impossible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we both knew", ensure the context clearly defines what was known. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we both knew" without providing sufficient context about what was known. Ensure the reader understands the subject of the shared knowledge to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we both knew" functions as a statement of shared cognition or awareness. It asserts that two specific individuals possessed the same understanding or knowledge about a particular situation, fact, or circumstance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is both correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we both knew" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing shared awareness or understanding between two individuals. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is correct and common. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, provide sufficient context regarding what was known. When writing, consider using alternatives like "we both understood" or "we were mutually aware" for stylistic variation. Remember to avoid ambiguity by making the referential context clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we both understood

Uses a synonym of "knew" maintaining a direct and simple structure.

we were mutually aware

Replaces the more direct verb "knew" with "were mutually aware", emphasizing the shared nature of the knowledge.

it was a shared understanding

Shifts the focus to the understanding itself being shared, rather than the act of knowing.

we recognized it together

Highlights the joint recognition or acknowledgement of something.

we were in agreement about

Suggests a consensus or alignment of thoughts on a specific topic.

we had a common understanding

Highlights the shared nature of the comprehension between the speakers.

there was a tacit agreement between us

Implies an unspoken agreement or understanding.

we saw eye to eye on the matter

Indicates complete agreement and shared perspective.

we were of the same mind

Expresses a similarity in thought process and feelings.

we shared the same perception

Focuses on shared perception or awareness of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "we both knew" in a sentence?

You can use "we both knew" to indicate a shared understanding or awareness, for example: "We both knew that the project was doomed to fail from the start."

What are some alternatives to "we both knew"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we both understood", "we were mutually aware", or "we had a common understanding", depending on the context.

Is "we both know" grammatically correct, or should it be "we both knew"?

"We both know" implies a present, shared understanding, while "we both knew" indicates a shared understanding in the past. The correct tense depends on the context.

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

"We both knew" specifies that only two people shared the knowledge, whereas "we knew" can refer to a larger group. The choice depends on the scope of the shared awareness you want to convey.