they are back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something has returned after being away or absent. Example: "After a long vacation, they are back and ready to resume work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

O.K., they are back.

The New Yorker

Now they are back.

The New York Times

UPDATE: They are back on".

The New York Times - Magazine

But now they are back.

The Economist

Now they are back again.

The New York Times - Sports

Now they are back – literally.

Independent

They are back.

The New York Times - Science

It's great that they are back.

The New York Times - Sports

They are back and running again".

Independent

Now they are back to their routines.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The model was fitted with log abundances, but here they are back-transformed.

Forest Ecosystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "they are back" with details about their return, such as "they are back and stronger than ever" or "they are back with a new strategy".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining who or what "they" refers to. Without a clear antecedent, the phrase can be confusing. Example: Instead of saying "They are back," specify "The original cast is back".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are back" functions as a declarative statement, asserting the return or reappearance of a previously absent entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is both grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are back" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to announce or emphasize the return of someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, with a neutral to slightly informal tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what "they" refers to, and consider alternative phrasings like "they have returned" or "they're back" for nuanced communication. The phrase is incredibly common across a variety of authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're back

A contraction of "they are back", this is a more informal and conversational alternative.

they have returned

This alternative offers a more formal and direct way of expressing the return.

they are here again

This alternative emphasizes the repetition or continuation of their presence.

they have reappeared

This suggests a return after a period of absence or obscurity.

they are making a comeback

This implies a return to popularity or success after a decline.

they are back in action

This indicates a return to activity or participation.

they are restored

Suggests they've been reinstated to a previous condition or position.

they are revived

Implies a return to life, activity, or prominence from a state of dormancy or decline.

they are present once more

A more formal way to express their reappearance or return.

they are with us again

Suggests that they are physically present or involved once more.

FAQs

How can I use "they are back" in a sentence?

Use "they are back" to indicate that someone or something has returned after a period of absence. For instance, "After a long hiatus, the band announced "they are back" with a new album".

What are some similar phrases to "they are back"?

Alternatives include "they have returned", "they're back", or "they have reappeared". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it correct to say "they are back again"?

Yes, "they are back again" is grammatically correct and emphasizes that this is not their first return. It implies a cyclical pattern of absence and reappearance.

What's the difference between "they are back" and "they are coming back"?

"They are back" indicates a completed return, meaning they have already arrived. "They are coming back" suggests the return is in progress or anticipated in the future.