they count

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they count" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to emphasize the importance or significance of a group or individuals. Example: "In this project, they count as valuable team members." Alternative expressions include "they matter" and "they are important."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They count.

The New York Times

Of course they count.

The New York Times

Today they count 280.

The New York Times - Travel

And they count on others.

The New York Times

Still, they count themselves lucky.

The New York Times

They count the most.

The New York Times - Sports

Reviews... do they count?

The Guardian - Books

Don't they count?

The New York Times - Magazine

They count the same".

The New York Times - Sports

Do they count forced?

The Guardian

They count captured weapons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports or competitive contexts, use it to clarify which scores or statistics are officially recognized.

Common error

Ensure the subject is plural. Writers often mistakenly use the plural 'they' when referring to a collective noun that might require the singular 'it counts' in stricter formal contexts. Additionally, be clear whether you are referring to numerical calculation or qualitative importance to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they count" consists of a third-person plural pronoun followed by a verb that can function both transitively and intransitively. According to Ludwig, it often serves as a complete predicate to assert the validity or significance of a preceding noun phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Sports Analysis

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they count" is a robust and essential part of the English language, serving dual roles as a marker of numerical tallying and a declaration of qualitative worth. Data from Ludwig shows a heavy concentration of this phrase in reputable journalism, where it is often used to advocate for the visibility of marginalized groups or to clarify rules in competitive settings. Whether you are using it to say "they matter" or to describe a literal process of "calculation", it remains a clear and authoritative choice. Writers should primarily ensure that the plural subject 'they' clearly refers to the intended noun to maintain logical flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they matter

Shifts the focus entirely to the importance or significance of the subjects

they tally

Emphasizes the literal act of counting or recording numbers

they are significant

A more formal way to express that the subjects have weight or influence

they carry weight

Idiomatic expression suggesting the subjects have influence in a decision

they are valid

Suggests that the subjects are acceptable or legitimate within a specific system

they are included

Focuses on the state of being part of a group rather than the act of counting

they account for

Requires an object and explains a portion of a whole or a reason

they reckon

A more informal or regional way to describe calculation or estimation

they figure

Suggests a mental calculation or a logical conclusion

they compute

Implies a technical or logical process of calculation

FAQs

How do I use "they count" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate importance, such as: "Every vote is vital because "they count" toward the final result". It can also be literal: "The scientists observed the cells and "they count" each one manually".

What is a more formal way to say "they count"?

Depending on your intent, you might use "they are significant" or "they carry weight" if you mean they are important.

Can "they count" mean they are relying on something?

Yes, when paired with 'on', as in "they count on". This is a common phrasal verb meaning to depend or rely on someone or something.

Is it "they count" or "they counts"?

The correct form is "they count" because the plural pronoun 'they' requires the base form of the verb without the 's' suffix.