have them

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a verb phrase that typically appears in the imperative form of a sentence. Example: Please have them sign the form before you submit it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just have them separately.

Independent

We all have them.

The Guardian

Some already have them.

The Economist

"We'll always have them".

The New York Times

Have them arrested?

The New Yorker

You don't have them?

The New York Times

Better have them off.

Independent

Now I have them.

The New Yorker

I don't have them.

The New York Times

You already have them".

The New Yorker

We did have them.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have them" in instructions, ensure the context clearly identifies who "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have them" without a clear antecedent. Ensure your audience knows exactly who or what "them" represents to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have them" primarily functions as a directive or imperative, used to instruct or request someone to take a specific action concerning a group or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

59%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have them" is a versatile and frequently used construction that serves primarily as an imperative, used to instruct someone to perform an action related to a group or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While suitable for neutral contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or business settings. It's important to ensure clarity in who "them" refers to, to prevent ambiguity. Using the many examples provided by Ludwig can improve writing and context for the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give it to them

Direct and simple instruction to provide something.

let them have

Implies permission or allowance.

get it for them

Informal and direct way to say to provide something.

make sure they get

Informal alternative focusing on receipt or acquisition.

be sure they receive

Focuses on ensuring receipt of something.

ensure they possess

Formal alternative emphasizing possession or ownership.

allow them access

Emphasizes granting access or permission.

provide it for them

Focuses on the act of providing something.

see that they obtain

Emphasizes the act of obtaining something.

procure it for their benefit

Formal and indirect emphasizing procurement.

FAQs

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

You can use "have them" to instruct someone to perform an action on a group. For example, "Have them sign the document" means to instruct someone to ensure a group of people signs a document.

What does "have them" mean?

"Have them" is a common phrase meaning to instruct or ensure that a group of people or entities performs a specific action or possesses a particular item.

What can I say instead of "have them"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ensure they possess", "make sure they get", or "give it to them".

Is it correct to use "have them" in formal writing?

While "have them" is grammatically correct, more formal alternatives like "ensure they receive" might be preferred in academic or business contexts.