I fed them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I fed them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action where you provided food to a group of people or animals. Example: "After the long hike, I fed them some sandwiches and fruit to replenish their energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I fed them apples.

The New York Times

I fed them from my overstock of Weet-Bix.

The New York Times

"I fed them the story, and they went for it".

The New York Times - Magazine

"When they were small and they came to my house I fed them.

The Guardian

The other night, friends came over, and I fed them kibbeh, tabbouleh, flat bread, and yoghurt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I fed them to my four kids, and they feed them to my 15 grandchildren," he said in an interview a few years before his death in 1985.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I feed them about once a month.

The New York Times

If I feed them, they'll survive".

The New York Times

I feed them to my grandsons.

The New York Times

But what should I feed them?

The New York Times

They're cool cats, as long as I feed them and let them out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I fed them", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what "them" refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I fed them" when the object isn't clear from the context. Instead, specify who or what you fed to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "I fed them", say "I fed the cats" or "I fed the information to the team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I fed them" functions as a simple declarative statement, indicating the action of providing food to a group. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often appears in narratives or descriptions of caregiving.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I fed them" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe the act of providing food to individuals or animals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and applicable in various contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, and scientific sources. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to ensure the context clarifies who or what "them" refers to. For more formal situations, alternatives like "I provided them with sustenance" may be suitable. Remember to specify the object of the feeding action to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I gave them food

Replaces "fed" with a more general term, focusing on providing food.

I provided them with sustenance

Uses a more formal word for food, suitable for professional contexts.

I nourished them

Highlights the act of providing essential nutrients for growth or health.

I sustained them

Focuses on maintaining their life or condition through provision.

I supplied them with provisions

Emphasizes the act of supplying necessary items, including food.

I kept them supplied

Emphasizes continuous provision.

I catered to them

Implies providing food and service, often in a formal setting.

I took care of their meals

Focuses on ensuring their dietary needs were met.

I furnished them with information

Metaphorically uses "fed" to mean providing information.

I gave them the story

Similar to feeding information as in one of the examples. More specific to telling someone something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I fed them" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "I provided them with sustenance" or "I supplied them with provisions". The choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "I fed them" when referring to providing information?

Yes, "fed" can be used metaphorically to mean providing information, as in "I "gave them the story"". However, ensure the context makes this metaphorical usage clear.

What's a common mistake when using the phrase "I fed them"?

A common mistake is not clearly specifying who or what "them" refers to. Always make sure the object is clear from the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I fed them", say "I fed the stray dogs".

What are some synonyms for "I fed them" that emphasize different aspects of providing food?

Synonyms include "I gave them food" (general provision), "I nourished them" (emphasizing nutritional value), and "I catered to them" (suggesting a more formal service).