I have them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to possession of items or information that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context. Example: "I have the documents you requested, and I have them ready for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now I have them.

The New Yorker

I have them here.

The New York Times

"And I have them everywhere".

The New York Times

Eriksson replied, "I have them".

The New Yorker

That's why I have them.

The New York Times - Sports

Then I have them".

The New York Times - Style

I have them myself.

The New York Times - Sports

I have them in several colors.

The New York Times

Why? Now, why did I have them?

The New Yorker

I have them every day".

The Guardian

"Yes, I have them here".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have them" when you want to clearly state that you possess something, whether it's physical objects, information, or responsibilities. Ensure the context makes it clear what "them" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "I have them" without clearly establishing what "them" refers to earlier in your writing. Vague references can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have them" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing possession or control. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts from physical objects to information or responsibilities, aligning with Ludwig's indication of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I have them" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote possession or control. As indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, from confirming possession to indicating responsibility. While the phrase maintains a generally neutral tone, it is crucial to ensure that the reference of "them" is clear to avoid ambiguity. When aiming for a more formal register, consider alternatives such as "I possess them" or "They are in my possession". With its frequent presence in news and media sources, mastering the use of "I have them" will enhance your communication skills across different settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I own them

Direct statement of ownership, can be tangible or intangible.

They are mine

Simple and direct way of claiming ownership.

I possess them

Formal alternative emphasizing ownership or control.

They belong to me

Highlights ownership and personal connection.

They are in my possession

Passive voice emphasizing the state of being owned.

I'm holding them

Emphasizes physical possession or current management.

I've got them

Informal way of saying "I have them".

I keep them

Focuses on maintaining possession or storage.

I control them

Emphasizes authority and management over something.

I am in receipt of them

Formal and less common way to express having received something.

FAQs

How can I use "I have them" in a sentence?

Use "I have them" to indicate possession or availability of something previously mentioned. For example: "Did you find the keys? Yes, "I have them"."

What's a more formal way to say "I have them"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "I possess them" or "They are in my possession."

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "I have them"?

Avoid using "I have them" if the reference to "them" is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what you possess.

What can I say instead of "I have them" to emphasize control?

If you want to emphasize control rather than mere possession, use phrases such as "I control them" or "I'm in charge of them."