they departed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they departed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a group of people has left a place or situation. Example: "After the meeting concluded, they departed for the airport to catch their flight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They departed somewhat chastised.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, they departed without notice.

The New York Times

Supporters clapped as they departed.

Independent

And they departed without explanation, or apology.

The New York Times

They departed and returned for different reasons.

The New York Times

They departed a side shattered.

The Guardian - Sport

They departed with almost nothing.

The New Yorker

They departed without a shot being fired.

The Guardian

but they departed with heads held high.

The Guardian - Sport

They departed in silence, a few clapping tourists hastily shushed.

Independent

If they departed tomorrow, chaos would reign once again.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they departed" to add a touch of formality or to emphasize the finality of leaving a place or situation. It is particularly effective in historical or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "they departed" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they left" or "they went" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they departed" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action of leaving a place or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples illustrate its use in various contexts, both formal and informal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they departed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to indicate that a group of people has left a place or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its appropriateness in various contexts, particularly in news reporting, formal writing, and historical narratives. While simpler alternatives like "they left" exist, "they departed" adds a touch of formality and can emphasize the finality of the leaving. Be mindful of the tone and audience when choosing between these options to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they left

Simple and direct synonym for leaving.

they went away

Emphasizes the act of moving away from a location.

they exited

Implies a formal or structured departure.

they withdrew

Suggests a more cautious or strategic retreat.

they set off

Focuses on the beginning of a journey.

they cleared out

Indicates a complete emptying of a space.

they took off

More informal way of saying they left quickly.

they embarked

Emphasizes the start of a significant journey or undertaking.

they adjourned

Suggests a formal end to a meeting or gathering.

they absented themselves

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying they left.

FAQs

How can I use "they departed" in a sentence?

Use "they departed" to indicate that a group of people has left a particular place or situation. For example: "After the meeting, "they departed" for the airport."

What is a more formal alternative to "they departed"?

A more formal alternative could be "they withdrew" or "they absented themselves", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "they departed" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they departed" might sound too formal in casual contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "they left" or "they went" for a more natural tone.

What's the difference between "they departed" and "they left"?

"They left" is a general and neutral way to describe leaving. "They departed" is more formal and can imply a more significant or ceremonious leaving. Both are correct, but context determines the best choice.