they are from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the place of origin of someone or something. For example, "My parents are from China" or "The ingredients for this cake are from France."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are from here".

The Guardian

"They are from Chibok".

The Guardian

They are from the area.

The New York Times

Yes, they are from Tiffany.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are from Mr. Jackson's mother.

The New York Times

So, no surprise, they are from Spain.

The New York Times - Food

They are from a different culture".

The New York Times

They are from the place, Rosario.

The New York Times - Sports

They are from the late third century.

The Economist

They are from the tropics and subtropics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are from visible minorities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are from", ensure that the pronoun 'they' clearly refers to a specific group or entity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are from" when referring to a singular noun. Instead, use "it is from" or "he/she is from" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are from" functions as a descriptor of origin or belonging. It indicates where a group of people, objects, or ideas originate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

19%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are from" serves as a straightforward and universally understood means of indicating origin or affiliation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse writing styles. It's essential to ensure clarity in pronoun reference and to avoid using the phrase with singular nouns. While versatile, this phrase shines in neutral contexts, making it a staple in news reporting and general informative content. Remember that alternatives like "they originate in" or "they hail from" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they come from

A more informal and common way to express origin.

they originate in

Uses the verb 'originate' to specify the place of origin.

they hail from

Replaces "are from" with a more formal verb, 'hail', indicating origin.

their origin is

Focuses on the origin as a subject, offering a slightly more detached perspective.

they are natives of

Highlights the native origin of individuals or things.

they were born in

Specifies the place of birth, focusing on individuals.

their roots are in

Emphasizes the deep-seated origins or cultural connections.

they were raised in

Focuses on the place where someone grew up.

they're products of

Suggests that something is a result of its place of origin.

they belong to

Indicates affiliation with a place or group.

FAQs

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

Use "they are from" to indicate the origin or place of belonging of a group of people or things. For example, "The students are from different countries" or "The ingredients "come from" local farms".

What is a more formal alternative to "they are from"?

A more formal alternative is "they originate in" or "they hail from", which adds a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Which is correct, "they are from" or "they come from"?

Both "they are from" and "they come from" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the desired level of formality, with "they come from" being slightly more informal.

Can "they are from" be used to refer to abstract concepts?

While "they are from" is typically used for physical locations or origins, it can metaphorically extend to abstract concepts. For instance, "These ideas "stem from" years of research", though it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.