they

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "they" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a third-person plural pronoun and can be used to refer to a group of people or things. For example, "They were excited to go on vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And so they were.

The New York Times

They were wrong.

The New York Times

But what are they?

The New York Times

They got on well.

The Guardian

They certainly do.

The Guardian

They may be right.

The New York Times

They don't.

The New York Times

They are right.

The New York Times

How dare they?

The New York Times

They are mistaken.

The New York Times

They succeeded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the referent of "they" is clear to avoid ambiguity. If necessary, rephrase the sentence to specify who or what "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "they" when it's unclear who or what is being referenced. This can confuse readers. Make sure the noun "they" replaces is clear or use a name to avoid doubt.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "they" is to serve as a third-person plural pronoun, referring to a group of people, animals, or objects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It can also refer to a single person of unknown or non-binary gender.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The pronoun "they" is a versatile and commonly used third-person plural pronoun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions grammatically to refer to groups or individuals, especially when gender is unknown or non-binary. Its use is widespread across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. To ensure clarity, always make sure the referent of "they" is easily identifiable. When in doubt, using names, or specifying the party will prevent any ambiguity. While the word has a neutral register, its misuse may be incorrect. Always ensure "they" is used in the right way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ones

Provides a shorter pronoun alternative to clarify the subjects.

those people

Replaces the pronoun with a more specific noun phrase, directly indicating the group being referred to.

the individuals

Substitutes the pronoun with a formal noun phrase, emphasizing individual entities within a group.

the group

Replaces the pronoun with a collective noun, focusing on the entity as a single unit.

the aforementioned

Uses a formal term to refer back to previously mentioned subjects, suitable for academic or legal contexts.

the involved parties

Emphasizes that the people are participants or stakeholders in a situation.

the subjects in question

Emphasizes that the people or things being referred to are under discussion or scrutiny.

said individuals

Used in legal and formal language to reference persons previously mentioned.

the party

More general, indicates people involved in something specific.

the specified entities

This term is suitable in highly formal contexts where precise language is required.

FAQs

How can I use "they" in a sentence?

"They" can be used to refer to a group of people, animals, or objects previously mentioned. For example, "Fred and Jane? "They" just arrived."

What can I say instead of "they"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "those people", "the individuals", or "the group" to replace "they".

Is it correct to use "they" to refer to a single person?

Yes, it is acceptable, especially when the person's gender is unknown or non-binary. This usage is becoming increasingly common and accepted.

What's the difference between "they" and "them"?

"They" is a subject pronoun (used as the subject of a sentence), while "them" is an object pronoun (used as the object of a verb or preposition). For example, "They went to the store" vs. "I saw them at the store".