they did not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they did not" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a way to express the negative form of the verb "to do" in the past tense. This phrase is typically used in sentences when referring to something that was not done or did not happen. Example: They did not attend the meeting yesterday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So they did not.

The New York Times

They did not interrupt.

The New Yorker

They did not panic.

The New York Times - Sports

They did not play.

The New York Times - Sports

They did not hesitate.

The New York Times

They did not wave.

The New York Times

They did not embrace.

The New York Times - Arts

But they did not.

The New York Times - Sports

They did not prevail.

The New York Times

They did not elaborate.

The New York Times

They did not sell.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they did not", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they did not" when the subject is singular. Instead, use "he/she/it did not".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they did not" functions as a negative past tense construction, indicating that a group of people or entities did not perform a certain action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they did not" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express the negation of a past action involving a plural subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse sources such as "News & Media" and "Science", maintaining a neutral register and conveying a clear lack of action. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement and use the phrase appropriately for plural subjects. Consider alternatives like ""they failed to"" or "they refrained from" for nuanced meanings. "They did not" is a versatile tool for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they didn't

A more colloquial contraction of "they did not".

they failed to

Highlights the lack of success in achieving something.

they refrained from

Emphasizes a deliberate choice to avoid doing something.

they avoided

Focuses on actively staying away from a particular action or situation.

they neglected to

Implies a lack of attention or care in not doing something.

they were unable to

Focuses on the impossibility of performing an action.

they abstained from

Suggests a voluntary act of holding back.

they weren't the ones to

Similar to the above, denying a specific association.

it wasn't them who

Changes the focus to deny responsibility or involvement.

they lacked the ability to

Highlights an absence of capability.

FAQs

How can I use "they did not" in a sentence?

Use "they did not" to indicate that a group of people or entities failed to perform a specific action. For example: "They did not attend the meeting."

What's a more informal way to say "they did not"?

A more informal contraction is "they didn't". For example: "They didn't go to the party."

Is it ever incorrect to use "they did not"?

It's incorrect if the subject isn't plural or a group. If the subject is singular, use "he did not", "she did not", or "it did not".

What are some alternatives to "they did not" for a more formal tone?

For a formal tone, consider using alternatives like "they failed to" or "they neglected to", depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.