we both started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we both started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a shared beginning or initiation of an action or activity between two people. Example: "We both started learning to play the guitar at the same time, which made practice sessions more enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We both started laughing.

The New Yorker

Then, we both started laughing".

The New York Times

I called my mom and we both started tearing up.

The Guardian

(What can I say? We both started young).

The Guardian

We both started out together sharing next-door offices.

The Guardian

We both started crying and then that escalated to sobbing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

We had a lot of common ground - we'd both served in India in the army, I'd produced shows at Butlins and Jimmy was a Redcoat, and we'd both started out in rep.

The Guardian

The last three years were bad for both of us because we had both started school again.

Huffington Post

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Vice

Without a word, we both start to climb towards it.

The Guardian - Travel

A strange interview interlude: we both start to cry.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we both started" to clearly indicate a shared beginning, especially when emphasizing the simultaneous nature of an action or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "we both started" when only one person initiated the action. Ensure the context involves two distinct individuals beginning something together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we both started" functions as a verb phrase indicating a shared action initiated by two individuals. It specifies that two subjects began an activity or process concurrently, as evidenced by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we both started" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a shared beginning or initiation between two individuals. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase’s usability in written English and notes its use in diverse scenarios. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "we began at the same time" or "we commenced together" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we began at the same time

Directly indicates a simultaneous start, focusing on the timing.

we jointly started

Highlights the shared nature of the beginning.

we commenced together

Uses a more formal verb to indicate beginning simultaneously.

we started in tandem

Emphasizes the coordinated and parallel nature of the start.

we both kicked off

A more casual way to express starting something together.

we initiated in unison

Emphasizes the coordinated and simultaneous nature of the commencement.

we both took off

Implies a rapid or enthusiastic start to something shared.

we embarked simultaneously

Suggests starting a venture or project together.

we both launched

Suggests starting a project or initiative in coordination.

our journeys began together

Implies a longer-term endeavor started in coordination.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "we both started"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "we commenced together" or "we initiated simultaneously".

Is it correct to say "we both start" instead of "we both started"?

While "we both start" is grammatically correct, it refers to a present or habitual action. "We both started" indicates an action that began in the past.

Can I use "we both began" interchangeably with "we both started"?

Yes, "we both began" is largely interchangeable with "we both started", though "started" may be slightly more common in contemporary usage.

How can I emphasize the shared nature of the beginning when using "we both started"?

To further emphasize the shared aspect, you might say "we jointly started" or "we both started together", although the latter might be slightly redundant.