planted themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "planted themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone establishing themselves firmly in a particular place or situation, often implying a sense of permanence or commitment. Example: "The protesters planted themselves in front of the city hall, determined to make their voices heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

They planted themselves along the edge of the stage.

The New York Times

The ideas had planted themselves in me long ago.

The Guardian - Books

Two other artists had planted themselves on the pond's east bank.

The New York Times

" 'Guests' who firmly planted themselves in one seat or another were allowed to remain there".

The New York Times

Nor have they considered that the signals would be intercepted from cameras that people planted themselves.

The New York Times

Others planted themselves on their large rumps at the base of the falls and lazily pawed fish into their jaws.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In it are thousands upon thousands of narcissi that have spontaneously self-planted themselves to create the message, "Thank you Sir, for gracing us with your noble vision".

The Guardian - Books

Some stagers choose to do the digging and planting themselves, while others work with a landscaper or gardener.

The New York Times

I am interested in exploring a rooted emotion that people lose when they re-plant themselves on another land.

The Guardian - Music

Like it or not, friends and complete strangers will plant themselves on your doorstep with food and supplies.

Huffington Post

Dandelions, by contrast, literally plant themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "planted themselves" to vividly describe individuals or groups taking a firm, often physical, position, especially when implying intention or resistance. It’s more impactful than simply stating they 'stood' or 'sat'.

Common error

Avoid using "planted themselves" when describing purely abstract concepts. It's best suited for scenarios involving physical presence or deliberate action to establish a position. For abstract concepts consider the term "established themselves" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "planted themselves" functions as a verb phrase, typically describing an action where individuals or groups intentionally take and maintain a specific physical location or stance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing examples where it vividly illustrates the act of establishing a presence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "planted themselves" is a commonly used verb phrase that effectively describes the act of taking a firm, often intentional, physical position. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, and to a lesser extent, in business and scientific contexts. While it’s generally neutral in tone, it's most impactful when used to describe deliberate actions of establishing a presence, and should be avoided in purely abstract scenarios. Consider alternatives like "established themselves", or "positioned themselves" for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established themselves

Emphasizes a more formal or permanent establishment.

positioned themselves

Highlights a deliberate placement for a specific purpose.

stationed themselves

Suggests a temporary or strategic deployment.

installed themselves

Implies a more permanent and possibly elaborate establishment.

settled down

Indicates a comfortable and lasting arrangement.

dug in

Conveys a sense of resistance and determination to stay.

took up residence

A more formal way of saying they began to live somewhere.

entrenched themselves

Suggests a strong and difficult-to-remove position.

took their stand

Highlights a firm and often defiant stance.

set up camp

Implies a temporary or informal establishment, like camping.

FAQs

How can I use "planted themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "planted themselves" to describe people taking a firm physical position, often with intention. For example, "The protesters "planted themselves" in front of the building."

What are some alternatives to "planted themselves"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "established themselves", "positioned themselves", or "stationed themselves".

Is "planted themselves" appropriate for formal writing?

While "planted themselves" isn't strictly informal, it's often more suitable for descriptive or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider "established themselves" or "positioned themselves" for a more professional tone.

When should I not use "planted themselves"?

Avoid using "planted themselves" when describing abstract concepts or situations that don't involve a physical presence or deliberate action. In these cases, use "established themselves" or a similar alternative.