behold them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behold them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to draw attention to something or someone, often in a dramatic or poetic context. Example: "As the sun set over the horizon, the artist urged his audience to behold them, the vibrant colors of the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The eyes that behold them — ours — both do and don't.

The New Yorker

We behold them as they are when we are not there.

The New Yorker

Landscapes, no less than people, are transformed by the eyes that behold them.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's almost heartbreaking to behold them writhing like table dancers for Mother of Pearl.

The Guardian

She could glimpse these from her windows or behold them in an unbroken panorama from her rooftop perch.

The New York Times

Still, in my heart of hearts, I wished that this Lan would nevercome to behold them at all.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

There seems never to have been a time nor a culture in which mysterious bones did not captivate those who beheld them.

The Guardian - Books

Most of the women in his work are either victims or monsters, though they are perhaps granted winks of complicity in the resilient glee with which he beheld them.

The New Yorker

After falling out with his teacher he had a vision of the god Vishnu and his consort Shri and instituted a daily worship ritual at the place where he beheld them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Last noon beheld them full of lusty life, Last eve in Beauty's circle proudly gay, The midnight brought the signal-sound of strife, The moon the marshalling in arms, - the day Battle's magnificently-stern array!

The Guardian - Books

Suits structured in themselves to strike terror in those who beheld them.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behold them" to create a sense of drama or importance when introducing something visually.

Common error

Avoid using "behold them" in everyday conversation; it's better suited for formal writing or dramatic speech. It can sound overly theatrical in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Behold them functions as a directive verb phrase combined with a pronoun, primarily used to command attention or introduce something visually. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Behold them is a grammatically correct phrase used to direct attention, often with a sense of drama or importance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is primarily used in news and media contexts, with a tendency towards formality. When writing, it is best to use "behold them" to create a sense of drama or importance when introducing something visually, while avoiding its overuse in casual conversations to prevent sounding overly theatrical. Alternatives like "look at them" or "observe them" may be more appropriate in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look at them

More direct and less formal alternative.

gaze upon them

More poetic and emphasizes prolonged observation.

observe them

More formal and detached observation.

witness them

Emphasizes being present during an event involving them.

view them

Neutral and straightforward term for seeing them.

see them

Basic and general term for visual perception.

take notice of them

Highlights the act of paying attention.

contemplate them

Suggests thoughtful observation.

regard them

Formal and implies consideration.

scrutinize them

Implies a careful and critical examination.

FAQs

What does "behold them" mean?

"Behold them" is an expression used to direct attention to something or someone, often implying a sense of wonder or significance. It's a more dramatic way of saying "look at them".

When is it appropriate to use "behold them"?

It is appropriate to use "behold them" in formal writing, speeches, or when trying to create a dramatic or poetic effect. It's less common in casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "behold them"?

You can use alternatives like "look at them", "observe them", or "gaze upon them", depending on the context and the level of formality you desire.

Is "behold them" grammatically correct?

Yes, "behold them" is grammatically correct. "Behold" is a verb, and "them" is a pronoun acting as the object of the verb.