I updated them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I updated them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that you changed or improved something. For example, "I updated the presentation with the new data and now it's ready for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is the full text of the address given by David Cameron outside Downing Street to announce the date of the referendum over Britain's future in the European Union: "This morning I have just chaired a meeting of the Cabinet in which I updated them on the special status we have secured for Britain.

Independent

She did not receive those updates until we gained direct contact, and I updated them for her.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While we review the patient, her family arrives and my colleague and I update them on their relative's situation.

The Guardian

I have updated them after hearing the presentation by the new head of the Australian Coal Association at the recent Coaltrans Australia conference….

The New York Times

I remember when they "updated" them in the early sixties and they became all about the Holocaust and the state of Israel.

HuffPost

These are right out of my head, I'll update them as soon as I get real numbers.

TechCrunch

I'll update them on my weekly schedule what shows I have coming up, and promote The Budd YouTube channel.

Vice

I'll be updating them every Monday until the academy reveals its picks on Jan . 24

Los Angeles Times

I was mentally preparing myself to follow the senior doctor I was working with into the room, to watch him break the news and lead the discussion, when I heard him say, "Go ahead and update them – I'll be here if you need anything". Surely, I had misheard him?

Stanford University

I work with my "I AM's" daily, and update them regularly as I manifest them or as they change.

Huffington Post

From then, I had done my best to avoid the children, though I always called to update them on their father's condition.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I updated them" when you want to clearly state that you have made changes or provided new information to someone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions like "They were updated by me" unless absolutely necessary. Active voice ("I updated them") is clearer and more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I updated them" functions as a declarative statement indicating the action of providing new or revised information to a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and acceptable usage in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I updated them" is a grammatically correct and clear way to state that you have provided new or revised information to a group. While relatively infrequent, its usage is versatile across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage in English. When writing, ensure the context is appropriate, and choose active voice for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I gave them an update

A more concise and common way to express the action of updating.

I informed them of the changes

Focuses on the act of conveying information about alterations.

I provided them with the latest information

Emphasizes the act of supplying new data.

I let them know about the updates

More informal way of saying that you communicated new information.

I communicated the new developments to them

Emphasizes the act of communicating changes.

I filled them in on the details

Suggests providing missing or new information.

I briefed them on the current situation

Implies a concise and informative communication.

I kept them in the loop

Indicates ongoing communication and inclusion in updates.

I apprised them of the situation

A more formal and less common way of saying 'informed'.

I advised them of the modifications

Suggests providing formal notice of alterations.

FAQs

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

Use "I updated them" to indicate that you have provided the latest information to someone, like in the sentence, "I updated them on the project's progress".

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

For a more formal tone, you might say, "I informed them of the updates" or "I provided them with the latest information".

Is "I updated them" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "I updated them" is suitable for professional communication, but ensure the context is appropriate. More formal alternatives like "I informed them of the changes" might be preferred in certain situations.

What can I say instead of "I updated them" if I want to emphasize the details?

If you want to emphasize the details, you could say, "I filled them in on the details" or "I gave them an update", which implies a more thorough communication.