they are that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they are that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the extent to which something is true. For example: "We all thought the costumes were expensive, but they are that - the cheapest we could find!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are that close".

The New York Times - Sports

(They are that good).

The New York Times

"Andy, do you know where they are?" "That one".

The New Yorker

"They are that close to the wire," the soldier typed.

The New York Times

For struggling writers, wretches that they are, that is inspiring.

The New Yorker

But it seldom is, they are that good".

The Guardian

They are that elite that seems to have something missing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even when they are that big, the knit is very fine, like a window screen.

The New York Times

Being the age they are, that kind of sum is an imaginative catalyst.

The Guardian - Music

The writer and director Noah Baumbach on unhappy families and why they are that way.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But, they are interesting--they are that.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are that" to reinforce a point or characteristic you've just described. It adds emphasis and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "they are that" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are that" functions as an intensifier or emphatic marker, reinforcing a previously stated or implied quality. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to highlight the degree to which something is true or significant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are that" serves as an intensifier, emphasizing the extent of a particular quality or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, making it adaptable for both informal and professional communication. When writing, use it to reinforce a point, but avoid overuse to maintain reader engagement. Alternatives like "they are indeed like that" or "they are precisely that" can provide variety. Keep in mind it is essential not to get redundant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they’re exactly like that

Emphasizes exactness using "exactly".

they're precisely that

Replaces "that" with "precisely that" to show a stronger agreement.

they are indeed like that

Uses "indeed like that" for added affirmation.

they're quite like that

Uses "quite like that" instead of "that" to soften the emphasis.

they're so much like that

Uses "so much like that" for a more emphatic tone.

they're really that way

Replaces "that" with "that way" to emphasize a characteristic or behavior.

that's just how they are

Expresses acceptance or resignation regarding someone's nature or behavior.

they happen to be that

Adds "happen to be" to imply an element of chance or surprise.

that is their nature

Indicates the phrase is something innate to the people or thing in question.

it's just their way

Indicates something is part of the manner in which someone does things.

FAQs

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

You can use "they are that" to emphasize a quality or condition. For example, "We needed a strong team, and "they are that"."

What does "they are that" mean?

"They are that" means to emphasize the degree or extent of a particular characteristic or condition that has been previously mentioned or implied.

Are there alternatives to using "they are that"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "they are indeed like that", "they are precisely that", or "they're exactly like that" to express a similar meaning.

Is "they are that" formal or informal?

"They are that" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in various contexts, though it leans slightly towards informal usage.