they established

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they established" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of creating, founding, or setting up something, such as an organization, system, or rule. Example: "They established a new policy to improve workplace safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They established a farm there.

The New Yorker

They established the Maravi Confederacy about 1480.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gradually, they established their rhythm.

The Guardian - Sport

"They established a certain expectation.

The New York Times

So they established a restaurant.

Cornell University

Two years later they established the first permanent settlement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is the area they established.

The New York Times

They established a foothold for modernist art.

The New York Times - Arts

They established medical centres and schools.

The Guardian

But they established that Black Lives Matter.

The Guardian

"They established a niche," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they established", ensure clarity regarding who 'they' refers to and what exactly was established. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "they established" excessively in passive constructions where the actors are vague or undefined. Instead, specify who 'they' are to maintain a clear and active voice in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they established" functions primarily as a declarative statement, asserting that a group or entity initiated or created something. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing the founding of organizations, setting up of systems, or creation of new entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they established" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate the act of founding, creating, or initiating something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, but it can become more formal in professional or scientific contexts. When using "they established", ensure clarity about who "they" refers to and what they created to strengthen the sentence's impact. Consider alternatives like "they founded" or "they created" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they founded

Replaces 'established' with 'founded', emphasizing the creation of an organization or institution.

they created

Substitutes 'established' with 'created', focusing on the act of bringing something new into existence.

they formed

Uses 'formed' instead of 'established', suggesting a process of bringing elements together to create something.

they instituted

Replaces 'established' with 'instituted', highlighting the formal introduction of a rule or system.

they initiated

Uses 'initiated' instead of 'established', emphasizing the commencement or start of a project or process.

they originated

Replaces 'established' with 'originated', focusing on the point of beginning or creation.

they pioneered

Uses 'pioneered' instead of 'established', suggesting innovation and being the first to do something.

they developed

Replaces 'established' with 'developed', emphasizing the gradual growth and evolution of something.

they implemented

Uses 'implemented' instead of 'established', highlighting the action of putting a plan or system into effect.

they built

Replaces 'established' with 'built', focusing on the construction and physical creation of something.

FAQs

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

Use "they established" to describe the act of founding, creating, or setting up something. For instance, "they established a company", or "they established new rules".

What are some alternatives to "they established"?

You can use alternatives such as "they founded", "they created", or "they initiated" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "they established" or "it was established by them"?

"They established" is generally more direct and active than the passive construction "it was established by them". Active voice usually makes your writing clearer and more engaging.

How does "they established" differ from "they maintained"?

"They established" refers to the act of bringing something into existence, while "they maintained" refers to the act of keeping something in its current state. One is about creation, the other about preservation.