You both became friends vs You both were friends

Both phrases are correct, but 'You both became friends' implies that the friendship started at a specific point in time, while 'you both were friends' suggests that the friendship existed at some point in the past without specifying when it began.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 15, 2025 • 5456 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"You both became friends"

This phrase is used to indicate that a friendship was established at a specific point in time. It implies a beginning of the friendship.

Examples:

After working together on a project, you both became friends.
They both became friends after meeting at a conference.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mar 31, 2015 ... then realize you haven't sent her a personal message since you both became friends after you met at a wedding in 2010; then look away and ...
Dec 18, 2014 ... It's interesting that you both became friends, because on camera the Bird is so cruel to Louis. How did you manage to turn that attitude on and ...
Friends you both became friends with first during the relationship? Perhaps even friends you both became friends with before the relationship? - Asked by ...
Jun 1, 2015 ... So, to begin, please enlighten me on how you both became friends? [CS]: We've known each other for probably more than 20 years. We used ...

Alternatives:

You both became close friends.
You both developed a friendship.
You both formed a friendship.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"You both were friends"

This phrase is used to indicate that a friendship existed at some point in the past without specifying when it began. It implies an ongoing or past friendship.

Examples:

In high school, you both were friends.
Before the argument, they both were friends.

Show examples from the web [+]

Just like if you both were friends before, got into a relationship, then broke up, and parted ways badly(means never wanted to see his/her face ever). How does it ...
Funny how everyone could pick up the fact that you and this woman was friends once, wasnt she all that you says she is now when you both were friends?
Aug 9, 2005 ... GORDON: You both were friends to this man and certainly he mentored both of you to some degree in terms of the road that you took. One of ...
Jun 28, 2013 ... Yuki Minamori 2 years ago. Awww haha :3 I didn't know you both were friends~ I guess I did.. but :D. Read more Show less ...

Alternatives:

You both used to be friends.
You both were good friends.
You both were close friends.

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You both became friends vs You both were friends

"You both became friends"

"You both were friends"

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