find themselves with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find themselves with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone unexpectedly encounters or experiences something. Example: "After the sudden layoffs, many employees found themselves with an uncertain future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now they find themselves with a chance to win.

The New York Times

Now they find themselves with a mutiny on their hands".

The New York Times

Finland and Estonia could find themselves with a new connection.

The Guardian

And the Americans could find themselves with little negotiating leverage.

The New York Times

Many Sea Org volunteers find themselves with no viable options for adulthood.

The New Yorker

Those who find themselves with a "bad name" on Google will rejoice.

Independent

Through the caprice of history, these émigrés find themselves with no rights, no voice, no place.

The New Yorker

Couples who work together can sometimes find themselves with an excess of togetherness.

The New York Times

If they find themselves with, say, lots of industrial stocks, so be it.

The New York Times

Several Democratic governors who were re-elected now find themselves with Republican legislative chambers.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the Knicks, with multiple high-volume shooters, find themselves with the league's 24th-best offense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "find themselves with" to describe situations where people unexpectedly encounter or experience something, especially when they might not have actively sought it out. For example, "After the company restructuring, many employees found themselves with new responsibilities."

Common error

Avoid overusing "find themselves with" in passive constructions where active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The problem found itself with a solution", use "They found a solution to the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find themselves with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the unexpected or unplanned acquisition or experience of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it describing situations ranging from financial outcomes to shifts in responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find themselves with" is a versatile and common expression used to describe situations where individuals or entities unexpectedly acquire or experience something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally appropriate, it's beneficial to consider if a more direct or active construction might improve clarity. Alternatives like "discover they have" or "end up having" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid overuse in passive voice to maintain writing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discover they have

Emphasizes the act of realizing possession or experience.

end up having

Focuses on the result of a process, emphasizing possession.

come to possess

More formal way of expressing gaining possession.

unexpectedly gain

Emphasizes the surprise element of acquiring something.

realize they are faced with

Highlights awareness of a challenging situation.

are presented with

Focuses on the act of being given or offered something.

are suddenly confronted with

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the encounter.

are now in possession of

Formal expression of current ownership.

inadvertently acquire

Stresses the unintentional nature of gaining something.

are left holding

Suggests being burdened with something, often negative.

FAQs

What does "find themselves with" mean?

It means unexpectedly encountering or experiencing something, often something unplanned or undesired. It implies a situation people are now facing.

How can I use "find themselves with" in a sentence?

Use it to describe a situation someone unexpectedly faces. For example, "After the market crash, many investors "found themselves with" significant losses".

What are some alternatives to "find themselves with"?

Alternatives include "discover they have", "end up having", or "realize they are faced with", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "find themselves with"?

While grammatically correct, consider whether a more direct verb or active voice might be clearer. Sometimes a more specific verb can provide better context than "find themselves with".