they formed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they formed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of creating or establishing something, such as a group, organization, or relationship. Example: "After months of planning, they formed a committee to address the community's needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They formed a government.

The New York Times

"But they formed fascinating coalitions".

The New York Times

"They formed a huge mob.

The New York Times

They formed letters and numbers.

The New York Times

Sometimes they formed rivalries.

The New York Times

— they formed a whole.

The New York Times - Arts

They formed a band.

The New York Times

With time, they formed a political class.

The Economist

They formed a union for prostitutes.

Independent

They formed a trio in the 1990s.

The New York Times

In opposition they formed rival political parties.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally replacing "they formed" with synonyms like "they established" or "they created" to improve readability.

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group or entity mentioned earlier in the text. Ambiguous pronoun references can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they formed" typically functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It indicates the action of a group or entity creating, establishing, or initiating something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its correct usage, supporting its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they formed" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for describing the creation or establishment of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject "they" is clearly defined and that the context aligns with the intended meaning of creation or establishment. While synonyms like "they established" and "they created" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding ambiguity and understanding the subtle differences between active and passive voice will further enhance your writing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they established

Focuses on the act of setting up or founding something.

they created

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

they organized

Highlights the structured arrangement and coordination involved.

they initiated

Focuses on the starting or beginning of a process or entity.

they developed

Suggests a gradual process of growth and evolution.

they constituted

Implies the act of composing or making up something.

they assembled

Emphasizes the gathering and joining of components.

they built

Highlights the construction or creation of something substantial.

they inaugurated

Suggests a formal beginning or commencement.

they originated

Focuses on the point or manner in which something begins or arises.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they formed" is used to describe the act of creating or establishing something, such as a group, organization, or relationship. For example: "After months of planning, "they formed" a committee to address the community's needs."

What are some alternatives to "they formed"?

You can use alternatives like "they established", "they created", or "they organized" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they were formed" instead of "they formed"?

Both "they formed" and "they were formed" can be correct, but they have different meanings. "They formed" indicates an active voice, meaning the group initiated its own formation. "They were formed" is passive voice, indicating an external force or entity formed them.

What is the difference between "they formed" and "they constituted"?

"They formed" generally means they created something new, while "they constituted" suggests they composed or made up something already in existence or some kind of reorganization. The difference is subtle but depends on the specific context.