they disappeared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they disappeared" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is no longer visible or present. Example: "As the fog rolled in, the figures in the distance slowly faded away until they disappeared completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They disappeared.

The New York Times - Health

They disappeared together, underwater.

The New Yorker

Have they disappeared?

The New York Times

Then they disappeared.

The New York Times

One day they disappeared.

The Guardian - Opinion

(They disappeared almost immediately).

The New York Times - Travel

"Now they disappeared.

The New York Times

And they disappeared anyway".

The New York Times

But they disappeared in 1997.

The New York Times

"They disappeared for a week.

The New York Times

And then even they disappeared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they disappeared" to describe a situation where a group or set of entities is no longer visible or present. For example, "After the storm, the debris on the beach was gone as if they disappeared overnight."

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with "they disappeared". Ensure that the verb form agrees with the plural subject 'they'. For example, avoid saying "they disappears"; instead, use "they disappeared".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they disappeared" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the action performed by the subject 'they'. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they disappeared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the vanishing or absence of a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability, particularly in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "they vanished" and "they were gone", offering subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure verb agreement and consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym. Its versatility and common usage make it a reliable choice for describing situations where a group has vanished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they vanished

Emphasizes a sudden and complete disappearance, often implying mystery or magic. Also interchangeable.

they were gone

A simple statement indicating absence, without specifying how or why. Also interchangeable.

they faded away

Suggests a gradual disappearance, often due to distance, time, or weakening presence. Interchangeable.

they evaporated

Compares their disappearance to the process of evaporation, suggesting a quick and complete vanishing. Also interchangeable.

they went missing

Implies that their whereabouts are unknown, often suggesting a search or investigation. Also interchangeable.

they slipped away

Indicates a subtle or unnoticed departure, often to avoid attention. Also interchangeable.

they were nowhere to be found

Highlights the difficulty in locating them, suggesting a thorough search has been conducted. Some semantic transformation.

they absconded

Implies a secret and sudden departure, often to avoid legal consequences. Some semantic transformation.

they ceased to exist

Emphasizes a complete and permanent end to their existence. The level of semantic transformation is considerable.

they dematerialized

Suggests a disappearance that defies physical laws, often used in science fiction. Big semantic transformation.

FAQs

What does "they disappeared" mean?

The phrase "they disappeared" means that a group of people or things have vanished or are no longer present. It implies a state of absence, often sudden or mysterious.

What can I say instead of "they disappeared"?

You can use alternatives like "they vanished", "they went missing", or "they were gone" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they disappeared"?

Yes, "they disappeared" is grammatically correct. The pronoun "they" is plural, and "disappeared" is the past tense form of the verb "disappear", which agrees with the plural subject.

What is the difference between "they disappeared" and "they faded away"?

"They disappeared" suggests a complete and often sudden absence, while "they faded away" implies a gradual disappearance. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the suddenness or gradual nature of the absence.