they appeared

USAGE SUMMARY

"they appeared" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a group of people or things arrived, became visible, or were present in some way. For example: Suddenly, they appeared in the room, making everyone stop and stare in surprise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They appeared together in nine films.

The Economist

Still, they appeared optimistic.

The New York Times

(They appeared later).

The New York Times

They appeared almost at once.

The New Yorker

They appeared to adapt quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

They appeared they did not.

The New York Times

They appeared today.

The New Yorker

They appeared to be monodisperse and stable.

Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine

They appeared to have spelled it "Fukishima".

Independent

They appeared to be made of straw.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They appeared shocked.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they appeared" to describe the moment when a group becomes visible or noticeable, especially after a period of absence or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "they appeared" when referring to a singular subject. Ensure the subject is plural or collective to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they appeared" typically functions as the main verb phrase in a sentence, indicating the action of becoming visible or present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable part of a sentence. The examples show its role in narrating events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they appeared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the act of a group becoming visible or present. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct phrase to use. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Academia. Alternatives like "they emerged" or "they materialized" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to ensure your subject is plural to maintain grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they emerged

Suggests a gradual or sudden coming into view or prominence.

they materialized

Implies a sudden and unexpected appearance, as if from nowhere.

they arrived

Focuses on the act of reaching a destination or point.

they surfaced

Indicates coming to the top or becoming visible after being hidden.

they showed up

An informal way of saying they arrived or became present.

they turned up

Similar to 'showed up', implying an unexpected arrival.

they were seen

Focuses on the act of being observed or noticed.

they were present

States the fact of their existence or presence in a particular place.

they became visible

Emphasizes the act of becoming able to be seen.

they presented themselves

Suggests a deliberate act of making themselves known or visible.

FAQs

How can I use "they appeared" in a sentence?

Use "they appeared" to describe a moment when a group of people or things become visible or noticeable. For example, "Suddenly, "they appeared" at the door, surprising everyone."

What are some alternatives to "they appeared"?

You can use alternatives such as "they emerged", "they materialized", or "they arrived", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they appeared" referring to a single person?

No, "they appeared" implies a plural subject. To refer to a single person, use "he appeared" or "she appeared".

What's the difference between "they appeared" and "they seemed"?

"They appeared" refers to the act of becoming visible or present, while "they seemed" indicates an impression or perception. For example, "They appeared out of nowhere" versus "They seemed tired".