we both were

USAGE SUMMARY

"we both were" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two people experienced, or were part of, the same event. For example, "We both were at the same party last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We both were.

The New York Times

Maybe we both were wrong.

The New York Times - Books

We both were in tears.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt sad – we both were.

The New York Times

AYCKBOURN We both were screaming: "Stop!

The New York Times

"We both were really ecstatic for each other," he said.

The New York Times

We both were into all the same things.

The Guardian

Come to think of it, we both were.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think we both were true to our music.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Now we both are.

The New York Times - Sports

But then pop! there we both are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we both were", ensure the context provides sufficient clarity regarding who "we" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the individuals involved earlier in the text.

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "we" is clearly defined to prevent confusion about who is included in the statement. For example, instead of saying, "We both were there," specify, "John and I both were there."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we both were" functions as a declarative statement indicating a shared state or experience between two individuals. As Ludwig AI says, this implies that two specific subjects ("we") jointly possessed a certain quality or participated in a particular event. Examples from Ludwig show usage in diverse contexts, from expressing shared emotions to describing mutual participation in activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we both were" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a shared state or experience between two individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, largely appearing in News & Media sources, signifying its appropriateness for neutral and widespread communication. While alternatives exist, like "both of us were" or "we were both", the original phrase remains a clear and direct way to convey mutual involvement. When writing, clarify the referent of "we" to maintain precision and avoid ambiguity. Based on the analysis, "we both were" effectively serves its purpose of indicating a joint state or experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both of us were

Replaces "we" with "both of us", emphasizing the individual participants.

we were both

Changes the word order slightly, maintaining the same meaning.

each of us was

Emphasizes the individuality within the shared experience, suitable when the shared experience impacted each person differently.

we jointly experienced

Uses a more formal verb to describe the shared experience.

we shared the same

Highlights the shared nature of an attribute or experience rather than directly stating the state of being.

we were in agreement

Suggests mutual consent or understanding, suitable when the shared aspect is an opinion or decision.

we concurred

A more formal way of saying "we agreed".

we had the same

Focuses on possessing a common attribute or condition.

our feelings mirrored

Indicates a similarity in emotional state.

our opinions aligned

Implies a convergence of viewpoints or beliefs.

FAQs

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

Use "we both were" to indicate a shared state or experience between two people. For example, "We both were tired after the long hike."

What's a more formal alternative to "we both were"?

While "we both were" is suitable for most contexts, a more formal alternative might be "both of us experienced" or "we jointly shared". Consider the audience and purpose of your writing when making this choice.

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

Both "we both were" and "we were both" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the rhythm of the sentence.

Can I use "we both were" when referring to more than two people?

No, "we both were" is specifically for two individuals. If you're referring to a group larger than two, consider using phrases like "all of us were" or "we all were".