they encountered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they encountered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone comes across or meets something or someone, often unexpectedly. Example: "During their journey, they encountered various challenges that tested their resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once again, they encountered McGwire.

The New York Times - Sports

They encountered the barrel.

The Guardian

They encountered few top-floor apartments.

The New York Times

In some places, they encountered hostility.

The New Yorker

The few defects they encountered were manageable.

The New York Times

They encountered about one I.E.D. a week.

The New Yorker

Tells about a severe storm they encountered.

The New Yorker

There, they encountered the sport utility vehicle.

The New York Times

As it happened, they encountered no one.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Later they encountered battle with the enemy.

The Guardian

They encountered considerable hardship -- and danger.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they encountered" to describe situations where a group experienced something, especially when it was unexpected or presented a challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "they encountered" when the subject is singular. Ensure the subject is a plural pronoun or a group to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they encountered" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a group or plural subject experienced or came across something. This usage is supported by numerous examples in Ludwig, where it's used in various contexts from encountering difficulties to unexpected meetings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they encountered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an experience or meeting, often unexpected, that a group faced. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, ensure the subject is plural to avoid grammatical errors. Consider alternatives like "they came across" or "they faced" to fine-tune the meaning. With a neutral tone and broad usage, "they encountered" remains a valuable phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they came across

This alternative is less formal and suggests a more casual or accidental meeting.

they faced

This alternative emphasizes the act of confronting something, often implying a challenge or difficulty.

they experienced

This alternative is broader and indicates a general happening or event that affected them.

they met with

This alternative implies a more formal or planned meeting.

they ran into

This alternative suggests a sudden or unexpected encounter.

they confronted

This alternative implies a direct and often challenging meeting or opposition.

they stumbled upon

This alternative suggests a chance discovery during their journey.

they were faced with

This alternative emphasizes the imposition of a situation upon them.

they were confronted by

This alternative highlights the presence of an opposing entity during the encounter.

they crossed paths with

This alternative suggests a brief or transient meeting.

FAQs

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

Use "they encountered" to describe an experience or meeting, often unexpected, that a group faced. For example: "During their journey, they encountered several obstacles."

What can I say instead of "they encountered"?

You can use alternatives like "they came across", "they faced", or "they experienced" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "they encountered" or "they did encounter"?

"They encountered" is generally more common and direct. "They did encounter" is used for emphasis or to contradict a previous statement.

What's the difference between "they encountered" and "they met"?

"They encountered" often implies an unexpected or challenging meeting or experience. "They met" is more neutral and suggests a planned or casual meeting.