What does the phrasal verb “live together” mean?

What are the definitions of “live together”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Have a relationship and live in the same place without marrying.

  We LIVED TOGETHER for a few years before we got married.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “live together”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb live together is when two people, usually in a romantic relationship, share the same living space without being married. This can be a couple, friends, or even roommates.

What are the different verb forms of “live together”?

Root Verb	live together
Third Person Singular Present	lives together
Present Participle	living together
Simple Past	lived together
Past Participle	lived together

Example

My best friend and I live together in a small apartment.

Example

The couple lives together in a cozy house.

Example

They are living together before deciding to get married.

Example

We lived together for two years before we got engaged.

Example

They had lived together for a while before they decided to move to a new city.

What kind of phrasal verb is “live together”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“live together” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

They lived together for five years.

Example

My sister and her boyfriend live together in a small apartment.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“live together” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

They lived together for five years.

Example

My sister and her boyfriend live together in a small apartment.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “live together”?

Live together in harmony

People or groups living peacefully and cooperatively with each other.

Example

Different cultures live together in harmony in our diverse neighborhood.

Live together as roommates

Sharing a living space with one or more people, usually not in a romantic relationship.

Example

I live together with three roommates to save on rent.

Live together before marriage

A couple sharing a living space before getting married, often to test compatibility.

Example

Many couples choose to live together before marriage to ensure they are compatible.

Good things to know

Does “live together” have an informal or formal tone?

Live together is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in academic writing or professional discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “live together”?

Synonyms

• cohabit
• share a home
• dwell together
• reside together

Antonyms

• live separately
• live apart
• live alone