they exited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they exited" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone leaving a place or situation. Example: "After the meeting, they exited the conference room." Alternative expressions include "they left" and "they departed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They exited quickly.

The New Yorker

Delegates were incredulous as they exited.

The Guardian

As they exited, Dawn kissed Trixie's head.

The New Yorker

"Thanks for coming!" a few people called as they exited.

The New Yorker

They exited this competition with 10 points last term.

The Guardian - Sport

As they exited quietly, everyone appeared to be shocked by what had just happened.

The New Yorker

Others turned sharply as they exited, then doubled back to reconsider.

The New York Times

They exited the Public League playoffs Friday with a second-round loss.

The New York Times

They exited to a cauldron of disapproval at half-time but re-emerged like men possessed.

The Guardian - Sport

The terrorists waited with rifles equipped with scopes, picking off counterterrorists as they exited the canyon.

The New York Times - Tech

Two young guys patted me on the back as they exited and said, "Good work, man".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they exited" when you want a neutral and slightly formal way to describe a group of people leaving a specific location or situation. It's suitable for news reports, narratives, and descriptions where you don't want to imply any particular emotion or urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "they exited" in casual conversations or informal writing. Alternatives like "they left" or "they went out" are more appropriate and sound less stilted in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they exited" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of leaving a place or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a straightforward way to describe departure without additional emotional or contextual coloring.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they exited" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe a group of people leaving a place or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it carries a neutral tone and is frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for formal or neutral writing and should be used sparingly in informal conversations where alternatives like "they left" are more appropriate. Remember that this phrase is used to provide a factual account of departure, so context matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they left

A more general and common way to express leaving.

they departed

A more formal and often more emphatic way of saying they left.

they went out

Focuses on the action of going out, suitable when the direction is implied.

they withdrew

Suggests a more deliberate or strategic retreat.

they emerged

Implies coming out from somewhere, often into view.

they cleared out

Indicates a complete emptying of a space.

they bailed

An informal term suggesting a quick or abrupt departure.

they evacuated

Emphasizes leaving due to danger or an emergency.

they adjourned

Typically used in formal settings like meetings or legal proceedings.

they absconded

Implies leaving secretly and often unlawfully.

FAQs

What does "they exited" mean?

The phrase "they exited" means that a group of people left a place or situation. It's a neutral way to describe their departure.

Which is more appropriate, "they left" or "they exited"?

While both phrases describe someone leaving, "they left" is more general and common, while "they exited" is slightly more formal and specific about leaving a particular place. Consider using "they left" in everyday conversation.

Can "they exited" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "they exited" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, narratives, or when describing a departure from a specific location. More common alternatives in formal writing are "they departed" and "they withdrew".

Are there any informal alternatives to "they exited"?

Yes, in informal contexts, you can use alternatives like "they went out" or "they bailed". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.