found themselves with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found themselves with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone unexpectedly encounters or possesses something, often in a context of surprise or realization. Example: "After the storm, they found themselves with a damaged roof and no way to pay for repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Instead, voices inside the administration for tougher policing of Wall Street found themselves with few supporters.

The New York Times

Many writers found themselves with no jobs waiting after the strike.

The New York Times

The White Sox, as it developed, found themselves with a sense of urgency of their own.

The New York Times

Firstly, the Society's Council members found themselves with an awkward pot of money.

The Guardian

All these guys who have also found themselves with an uneasy relationship to the categories.

The New Yorker

Members of the fashion crowd found themselves with time on their hands.

The New Yorker

One weekend last fall, the couple found themselves with a list of places from Ms. Wierbowski.

The New York Times

Hotdog kiosk vendors found themselves with sore running eyes, inadvertently pushed onto a moving frontline.

The Guardian

Vertebrates, in other words, suddenly found themselves with four times as many genes as their predecessors.

The New Yorker

As a result, young people found themselves with larger allowances and more free time.

The Guardian - Film

As a result, Washington's Lebanese allies found themselves with a gun to their heads.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "found themselves with", ensure the context clearly indicates the unexpected or unplanned nature of the situation. This strengthens the impact of the phrase and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "found themselves with" in situations where the outcome was expected or planned. The phrase loses its effectiveness if the situation wasn't surprising or unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found themselves with" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate that someone unexpectedly came into possession of something or encountered a particular situation. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "found themselves with" is a common and grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe an unexpected situation or possession. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. It is important to use it correctly, understanding that the phrase implies an element of surprise or unplanned circumstances. Common errors include using it in situations where the outcome was expected. Alternative phrases include "ended up with" or "discovered they had". Overall, "found themselves with" is a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal writing, provided its implied meaning is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

found that they had

A more direct and simple way of expressing the discovery of possessing something.

ended up possessing

Focuses on the final state of having something, emphasizing the outcome of an event or situation.

discovered they possessed

Emphasizes the element of surprise or realization in finding oneself in possession of something.

came to have

Highlights the process of acquiring something, often implying a gradual or unexpected acquisition.

were suddenly in possession of

Highlights the unexpected nature of coming into possession of something.

unexpectedly acquired

Focuses on the unforeseen nature of the acquisition.

landed with

Informal way of saying that something was received, often unexpectedly.

chanced to gain

Implies an element of luck or chance in acquiring something.

became the recipient of

More formal way to describe getting something, often implying it was given to them.

were left holding

Suggests that someone is now responsible for something, often after others have left.

FAQs

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

Use "found themselves with" to describe an unexpected situation or possession. For example, "After the merger, the employees "found themselves with" new responsibilities".

What are some alternatives to "found themselves with"?

Alternatives include "ended up with", "discovered they had", or "came to have", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "found themselves with" in formal writing?

Yes, "found themselves with" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a commonly used and generally accepted phrase.

What's the difference between "found themselves with" and "they had"?

"Found themselves with" implies an element of surprise or unexpectedness, while "they had" is a more neutral statement of possession. The former suggests a situation that arose without specific planning or anticipation.