they are required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are required" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that something is mandatory or necessary for a particular situation or context. Example: "In order to complete the application process, they are required to submit all necessary documents by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are required by justice.

The New Yorker

They are required to be able to bat as well.

The New York Times - Sports

Not all states participate, though they are required to.

The New York Times

They are required to haul their own survival gear.

The New York Times - Sports

They are required only to take them into account.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since people cannot vote, they are required to express faith.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are required to bring water and bread.

The Guardian

But they are required to pull their weight.

The New Yorker

They are required to be portable and safe.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

With limited exceptions, they are required by law to comply.

The New York Times - Tech

Then they are required to leave Hungarian territory.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are required", ensure the context clearly establishes who "they" refers to and what necessitates the requirement. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are required" in informal conversations or casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they need to" or "they have to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are required" functions as a passive construction indicating obligation or necessity imposed upon a subject. Ludwig's examples show it's used to express rules, laws, or conditions that must be followed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are required" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a mandatory action or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for formal settings such as news reporting, scientific writing, and business communication. While it effectively conveys obligation, it should be used judiciously in informal contexts where simpler alternatives might be more suitable. Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly defining "they" and the basis for the requirement. Understanding these nuances will allow for effective and contextually appropriate usage of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they must

Expresses a stronger sense of obligation or necessity compared to "they are required".

they need to

Indicates a necessity, often implying a practical need rather than a strict rule.

it is mandatory for them

Formal and emphasizes the compulsory nature of the action.

they are obligated

Highlights a formal or legal obligation.

they are bound to

Suggests a commitment or duty, often arising from an agreement or principle.

it is a requirement for them

Focuses on the existence of a prerequisite or condition that must be met.

they are expected to

Implies a strong expectation or social norm, rather than a strict rule.

they have a duty to

Emphasizes a moral or ethical responsibility.

they are under an obligation to

A formal way of stating that someone has a legal or contractual duty.

they are compelled to

Highlights that someone is forced or driven to do something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "they are required"?

You can use alternatives like "they must", "they need to", or "it is mandatory for them" depending on the context.

How to use "they are required" in a sentence?

Use "they are required" to indicate that a specific group of people must do something due to a rule, law, or necessity. For example: "Students are required to submit their assignments on time."

Is "they are required" formal or informal?

"They are required" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for professional, academic, or official contexts. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "they need to" are often preferred.

What's the difference between "they are required" and "they are expected to"?

"They are required" implies a strict obligation or rule, while "they are expected to" suggests a strong expectation or social norm. The former carries more weight and implies potential consequences for non-compliance.