that they have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that they have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to possession or existence of something that belongs to a group of people. Example: "The students expressed their concerns about the resources that they have for studying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beyond that, they have effected no miracles.

The New York Times

More than that, they have normalised it.

The Guardian - Opinion

That they have done artfully.

The New York Times

So far nothing indicates that they have.

The Economist

I hope that they have reconsidered.

The New York Times

Not that they have not come knocking.

The New York Times

That they have no chance next season?

The New York Times - Sports

They are taking all that they have".

The New York Times

They claim that they have been misunderstood.

The New York Times

"But satisfaction that they have him".

The New York Times

"This demonstrates that they have totally failed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, retain the word "that" to maintain clarity and sentence structure, especially when the clause is complex.

Common error

Avoid using "that they have" when the sentence is already cluttered with several relative clauses. While grammatically correct, repeating "that" can make the text repetitive. For example, instead of "the cars that they have that are red", try "their red cars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that they have" functions as a subordinate clause typically acting as an adjective (relative clause) or as a complement to a preceding noun or verb. It establishes a possessive or auxiliary relationship between a plural subject and an object or action. According to Ludwig AI, this structure is a staple of English syntax and is used to provide specific identification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that they have" is a versatile and fundamental component of English grammar. As evidenced by the high volume of examples in Ludwig, it is primarily used to introduce information about the possessions, attributes, or actions of a plural subject. Whether it is used in a restrictive clause to define a noun or as an auxiliary verb to form the perfect tense, it remains a clear and correct choice across all levels of formality. While writers may sometimes omit the "that" for brevity, retaining it often provides a more polished and rhythmic feel to formal prose. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance and reliability in top-tier professional, scientific and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which they have

Uses a relative pronoun that is often more common in British English or non-restrictive clauses

they have

Omits the optional relative pronoun for a more direct and concise tone

that they possess

More formal and emphasizes the actual ownership of an object or trait

that they hold

Often used in legal, academic, or financial contexts regarding views or assets

that they own

Strictly refers to legal possession or property

that they enjoy

Frequently used when discussing rights, privileges, or benefits

which they possess

A highly formal alternative combining the relative pronoun 'which' with 'possess'

that they maintain

Suggests the ongoing preservation of a state, record, or standard

that they carry

Refers to physical possession or carrying a specific responsibility or weight

that they feature

Used when the subject highlights or displays specific characteristics

FAQs

How to use "that they have" in a sentence?

The phrase is typically used to introduce a relative clause that describes a plural subject. For example, "The resources "that they have" are limited but sufficient for the task."

What is the difference between "that they have" and "which they have"?

In American English, ""that they have"" is used for restrictive clauses (essential information), while "which they have" is often reserved for non-restrictive clauses (extra information) and is preceded by a comma.

Can I omit "that" in the phrase "that they have"?

Yes, in many informal or semi-formal contexts, you can use the shorter "they have" without losing meaning. For example, "The influence they have is significant."

What can I say instead of "that they have" to sound more professional?

Depending on the context, you can use more precise verbs such as "that they possess", "that they maintain", or "that they hold".