together

(t – geth’ – r)

There are many ways to use the word "together." The first set of examples shows how you can use this word to describe a relationship between and among people:

• How long have they been together?
• They’ve been together for two years.
• Sheila and Don are no longer together. They split up last week.
• Pat and Kelly are always together.
• How can they stand being together if they’re always fighting?
• Let’s get together after class and get something to eat.
• Our family always gets together around the holidays.

They’ve been together for over 40 years.

We also use the word "together" when gathering things or when joining two or more parts of something:

• The kids put the puzzle together.
• We need to get some money together.
• Do you want to eat together for lunch?
• Get your clothes together. We’re leaving now.

When things match or are of the same color or style, we say they "go together."

• That jacket and that tie go well together.
• Polka dots and stripes don’t go together.

When someone is able or unable to do something well or remain in control of one’s emotions, you can use "together" like this:

• She couldn’t keep herself together during the funeral and started crying.
• You’ve got to get your act together. (You have to change your bad behavior.)
• Abe was unable to get it together at work, so they fired him.
• Terry has put herself together, and now she’s very successful. (She changed her bad habits and now everything is okay.)

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This page was first published on February 14, 2012.

It was updated on November 16, 2017