something only they have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something only they have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique possession or characteristic that belongs exclusively to a specific group or individual. Example: "The secret recipe is something only they have, giving their restaurant a competitive edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The pamphlets; the posters; the plans to shut E4 down for a day so young people vote instead of watching the How I Met Your Mother episode they could find with three clicks of a mouse; the Facebook friends saying stuff like, "I implore you to make your voice heard people died for your right to vote," as if the concept of democracy is something only they have been privy to until now.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's something that they, and only they, have witnessed in the entirety of human history.

Forbes

Their happy ending felt like something not only they had earned, but a sort of reward to patient viewers.

Huffington Post

TALKING cars might have caught on decades ago, if only they had something worthwhile to say.

The New York Times

But all across the Gulf, the amount of aimless milling and flirting that goes on in shopping malls suggests that people would gladly spend their time more usefully, if only they had something better to do.

The Economist

But for Foer's generation these three wars are not lived experience, but only something they have been taught about by their parents, at Sunday school and in some Jewish youth movement, if they attended one.

Huffington Post

Have you told your child they can do something only to have the school tell them they can't?

Huffington Post

They've no solo album to tirelessly promote, no label pressure, no relentless touring schedule, only something they've done purely for its own sake.

The Guardian - Music

Indeed, as the designers have struggled to define the Proenza woman — something that they have only lately begun to get their brains around, they said — home and nature are recurrent notes in their conversations, far more than the "downtown girl" they started with.

The New York Times

My partner can tell me something, only to have to repeat herself 10 minutes later.

BBC

That's probably something only we have to deal with.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to emphasize the exclusivity or uniqueness of a particular attribute, possession, or experience. Ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase when the referent of "they" is unclear or ambiguous. Ensure the reader can easily identify who "they" are to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something only they have" functions as a noun phrase, acting as an object or complement in a sentence. It highlights a unique attribute or possession that is exclusive to a particular group. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something only they have" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the exclusivity of an attribute or possession. Ludwig AI indicates it is more commonly found in News & Media contexts. While not overly frequent, the phrase can effectively highlight what distinguishes a particular group, although clarity in identifying "they" is crucial. Consider related phrases to add nuance, and be mindful of the intended audience to maintain the appropriate formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exclusive possession of theirs

Replaces "something" with "possession" and uses a possessive pronoun, emphasizing ownership.

a unique attribute they possess

Focuses on a characteristic rather than a tangible item, highlighting distinctiveness.

a trait exclusive to them

Simplifies the structure, emphasizing that the trait belongs solely to the specified group.

something unique to their group

Highlights the uniqueness of the item within the context of a specific group.

an item solely in their possession

Emphasizes the singular control and ownership of the item.

a privilege they exclusively hold

Shifts focus to a benefit or advantage that only they can access.

a resource available only to them

Highlights restricted access to a particular resource.

a secret known only to them

Emphasizes confidentiality and limited awareness of certain information.

an advantage unique to them

Focuses on a specific benefit that sets them apart.

something solely within their grasp

Highlights their unique ability to attain or control something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "something only they have" to emphasize exclusivity?

You can use phrases like "an exclusive possession of theirs", "a trait exclusive to them", or "an item solely in their possession" to highlight that something belongs solely to them.

What's a subtle way to suggest "something only they have"?

Consider using alternatives like "a unique attribute they possess" or "a privilege they exclusively hold" to imply their unique possession without explicitly stating it.

When is it best to use "something only they have" in writing?

Use it when you want to draw attention to a unique feature, advantage, or item that distinguishes a specific group or individual from others. Ensure the context makes the reference clear.

Is there a more formal alternative to "something only they have"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "a resource available only to them" or "an exclusive right they possess", particularly in business or academic contexts.