"You both became friends" vs "You both were friends"

Question

"You both became friends" vs "You both were friends"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. '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.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

You both became friends

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

You both were friends

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"You both became friends" vs "You both were friends"

You both became friends

You both were friends

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