they are right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to affirm that someone's opinion, statement, or action is correct or justified. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I have to agree that they are right about the need for more funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

They are right.

The New York Times

But they are right.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, they are right.

The New York Times - Sports

They are right too.

The Economist

They are right to.

The Economist

Sadly, they are right.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Usually, they were right.

The New York Times - Sports

They were right to.

The New Yorker

They were right.

The New York Times

Thankfully, they're right.

The New York Times

"Ultimately, they're right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are right", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group or entity to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The scientists predicted this outcome, and they are right".

Common error

Avoid using "they are right" without a clear antecedent for "they". For example, instead of saying "The data suggests an increase; they are right", clarify with "The data suggests an increase; the analysts are right".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are right" functions as an affirmative statement, indicating agreement with a previous statement or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are right" is a common and grammatically sound way to express agreement or validation, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is suitable for both formal and informal communication. The phrase indicates that a previously stated opinion, prediction, or assessment is accurate or justified. While alternatives like "they are correct" or "they are justified" exist, "they are right" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are correct

Replaces "right" with a more formal synonym, implying accuracy and precision.

they are justified

Suggests that their actions or beliefs are supported by valid reasons or evidence.

their assessment is accurate

Focuses on the accuracy of their evaluation or judgment.

they have a point

Acknowledges the validity of their argument or opinion.

they are spot on

Implies that their assessment or prediction is perfectly accurate.

they are on the right track

Indicates they are proceeding in a direction that will lead to a correct conclusion or solution.

they are valid

Confirms that their claims or arguments are legitimate and well-founded.

they speak the truth

Emphasizes the honesty and veracity of their statements.

they are not wrong

A double negative that expresses agreement while allowing for slight reservations.

they have it right

Indicates that they understand something correctly or are doing something the correct way.

FAQs

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

Use "they are right" to express agreement or validation of someone's statement or action. For example, "The experts warned about the risks, and "they are right"; the market crashed."

What are some alternatives to saying "they are right"?

You can use phrases like "they are correct", "they are justified", or "they have a point" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "they are correct" instead of "they are right"?

Yes, "they are correct" is generally considered more formal than "they are right", although both are acceptable in most contexts.

When should I use "they were right" instead of "they are right"?

Use "they were right" when referring to a past situation or statement. For example, "The historians predicted this outcome, and "they were right" about the long-term consequences".