they executed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they executed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing the act of carrying out a plan, task, or order, or in a legal context referring to carrying out a death sentence. Example: "After months of planning, they executed the operation flawlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They executed all of us".

The New York Times

Then they executed them.

The Guardian

They executed her.

The Guardian - Business

Some they executed.

The New Yorker

They executed better than we did".

The New York Times - Sports

Four years later, they executed him.

The Guardian

"They executed well down the stretch".

The New York Times - Sports

"They executed two people in here," a soldier said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They executed them within two or three days".

The New Yorker

They executed a neat truce between performance and art objects.

The New York Times

In that instance, they executed a Pakistani girl's boyfriend.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they executed" in the context of a plan or strategy, ensure the sentence clearly indicates what was executed and the result of that execution. For example: "They executed the marketing plan, resulting in a 20% increase in sales."

Common error

Avoid using "they executed" when the action was merely started or attempted but not fully completed. "They initiated the project" is more appropriate if the project is still ongoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they executed" functions as a verb phrase, where "they" serves as the subject pronoun and "executed" is the past tense form of the verb "execute." Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they executed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that reports the completion of an action, often involving planning or strategy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered correct. Predominantly found in "News & Media", encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, its register is generally neutral to professional. While versatile, writers should consider the specific context to ensure the most precise synonym is used. Alternatives include "they carried out", "they implemented", and "they performed". Remember to use it when an action has been completed successfully, not just started or attempted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they carried out

Focuses on the act of performing a task or plan, similar to executing it.

they implemented

Emphasizes the putting of a plan or system into effect.

they performed

A general term for carrying out an action or task.

they accomplished

Highlights the successful completion of a task or goal.

they achieved

Similar to accomplished, focusing on reaching a desired outcome.

they enacted

Implies putting something into law or action.

they finalized

Focuses on bringing something to a complete and finished state.

they discharged

Suggests fulfilling a responsibility or duty.

they consummated

Implies bringing something to completion, often with a sense of formality.

they finalized the action

Expresses in a more explicit way that the action has been successfully completed

FAQs

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

You can use "they executed" to describe the completion of a plan, task, or order. For example, "They executed the plan flawlessly", or "They executed the search warrant".

What can I say instead of "they executed"?

You can use alternatives like "they carried out", "they implemented", or "they performed" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "they executed" in formal writing?

Yes, "they executed" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing the implementation of strategies or the carrying out of tasks. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise synonym if needed.

What's the difference between "they executed" and "they carried out"?

While both phrases are similar, "they executed" often implies a higher degree of planning and precision, while "they carried out" is a more general term for performing an action.