we both took

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we both took" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a shared action or experience that both you and another person participated in. Example: "We both took the same class last semester and learned a lot together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

We both took a risk.

The New York Times - Books

We both took a bite.

The New Yorker

"We both took note of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Now we both took one too many".

The New Yorker

We both took our coats and hats from the hooks in the hallway.

The New Yorker

Then after Thanksgiving, we both took off for Paris again and never came back".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We both take everything very seriously and nothing too seriously".

The New York Times - Arts

We both take our work very seriously, just as we do our leisure time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We both take the view that what is good can become better," Mrs. Merkel said at the business forum.

The New York Times

ROGEN I think one of the biggest things we have in common is that we both take our work very seriously — and we both want to go home.

The New York Times

"We both take the sport very seriously, and since we'd see each other all the time, we had to decide if we were going to be rivals or friends," Mr. Tenreiro said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we both took", ensure the context clearly indicates what was taken, whether it's a physical object, a course of action, or an abstract concept. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we both took" when referring to actions that, while related, were performed individually and not jointly. For example, instead of "we both took different paths to success", specify each individual's journey separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we both took" functions as a verb phrase indicating a shared action performed by two individuals. Ludwig confirms its correctness. Examples include taking a risk, a bite, or a course, illustrating its versatility in describing shared experiences or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we both took" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a shared action or experience. As Ludwig confirms, it's versatile and applicable in various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the action being described and avoid misapplying it to actions not genuinely shared. Remember, "we both took" indicates mutuality and shared involvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we each took

Stresses the individual aspect of taking something while highlighting both parties performed the same actions.

we both opted for

Highlights a shared choice or preference.

we jointly decided

Emphasizes a mutual decision-making process.

we both engaged in

Focuses on the action without necessarily implying a prior decision.

we mutually agreed upon

Focuses on the agreement aspect of a shared decision.

we both undertook

Suggests a formal or significant commitment made by both parties.

we participated together in

Emphasizes active involvement in a shared activity.

we concurred in taking

Highlights agreement specifically related to taking an action.

we shared the experience of

Highlights a common experience rather than a specific action.

we acted in concert to

Indicates a coordinated action taken together.

FAQs

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

Use "we both took" to indicate a shared action or decision between two people. For example, "We both took a risk" or "We both took the train."

What are some alternatives to saying "we both took"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "we jointly decided", "we both opted for", or "we mutually agreed upon".

Is it grammatically correct to say "we both take" instead of "we both took"?

While "we both take" is grammatically correct, it refers to the present tense. "We both took" refers to the past tense. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the action.

What's the difference between "we both took" and "we each took"?

"We both took" emphasizes the shared nature of an action or decision. "We each took" stresses the individual aspect, even if the action was the same for both.