it required them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it required them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something necessitated the involvement or action of a specific group of people. Example: "The project was ambitious, and it required them to work overtime to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Absolutely, it required them to spend more money on admissions!

The New Yorker

It required them to use prosecutorial discretion in picking and choosing among illegal immigrants facing deportation.

The New York Times

It required them to leave the building together, and continue down the sidewalk as they hashed over an office tragedy, to which Axelrod has responded coldly.

The New Yorker

It required them to decipher a passage about a wife's threatening to leave her spouse if he did not divulge a secret.

The New York Times

There is a possibility that VR video content will end up like 3D TV - a novelty that many couldn't be bothered with as it required them to don a small set of glasses to view.

The Guardian - Tech

The ruling was triggered by a judicial review launched by two individuals with mental health problems, who argued that the work capability assessment (WCA) was unfair to them because it required them to understand and be able to explain the nature of their condition to the people conducting the assessment, when they had insufficient awareness of their difficulties to do so.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It requires them only of applicants new to the network.

The Washington Post

It requires them not just to stoke the anger, it's already there.

The New Yorker

It is complex as it requires them to live their daily lives in contradiction.

The Guardian

It requires them to provide the balm of solutions". 5. He's just a summer diversion.

The New Yorker

It requires them to pledge allegiance to the Government's policy of eradicating prostitution.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it required them", ensure the 'it' is clearly defined and understood by the reader to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The new policy required them to attend a training session."

Common error

Avoid using "it required them" in excessively complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve clarity. Break down long sentences for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it required them" functions as a clause introducing a necessity or obligation. It indicates that some external factor or situation compelled a group of people to take a specific action. This function is evident across various examples provided by Ludwig, showcasing its common usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it required them" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that introduces a necessity or obligation for a group to perform a specific action. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in "News & Media" and scientific contexts. While perfectly acceptable, consider more concise or formal alternatives depending on the specific context to improve clarity and flow. It’s also important to ensure the 'it' is clearly defined. While Ludwig AI confirms its general validity, careful application ensures optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it necessitated their action

Changes the verb to "necessitated" and replaces "required" with "action", slightly more formal.

it demanded their involvement

Replaces "required" with "demanded" and "them" with "their involvement", implying a stronger need.

they were obligated to

Shifts the focus to the obligation of the subject instead of the requirement made by something else.

they had to

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the requirement.

it made them

A more concise phrasing, indicating a constraint or necessity.

it was incumbent upon them

Formal and emphasizes a duty or responsibility.

it fell to them

Suggests a responsibility or task was assigned or naturally devolved to them.

they were bound to

Emphasizes a commitment or unavoidable necessity.

it compelled them

Indicates a powerful force or influence driving their actions.

their duty was to

Focuses on the obligation as a matter of duty rather than external requirement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it required them" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it necessitated their involvement", "it demanded their compliance", or "it was incumbent upon them to".

What's a simpler way to say "it required them"?

You can simplify it to "they had to", "they needed to", or "it made them" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it required them" and "it demanded them"?

"It required them" is a general statement of necessity. "It demanded them" implies a stronger, more urgent need or expectation. Consider using "it necessitated them", which sits in between.

Can I use "it required them" in all contexts?

While grammatically correct, "it required them" might sound clunky in some situations. Consider more concise alternatives, especially in informal writing. For instance, saying "they had to" is often more natural.