they have caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have caught" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is the present perfect tense of the verb "to catch." Example: "They have caught the culprit who stole the diamond necklace from the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Should they have caught something?

The New Yorker

Even there, they have caught fish.

The New York Times - Sports

They have caught up with it".

The Guardian - Film

In 2014 Republicans insist they have caught up again.

The Economist

Certainly they have caught the eye of designers.

The New York Times

For the past couple of years, whenever they have fished they have caught cod.

The Economist

Once they have caught their prey, they select the finest furs and hides.

The New York Times - Arts

Some try to avoid the stigma of Ebola, by pretending they have caught something else.

The Economist

Crucially, it is very easy to identify what they have caught.

The Guardian

On Sunday, they will find out if they have caught up to the Colts.

The New York Times - Sports

"They have caught some corrupt people — we can see that," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they have caught", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to, especially if it's not immediately obvious from the surrounding text. For example, specify "police" or "researchers" instead of relying on vague pronouns.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what "they" have caught. Saying "They have caught on" is different from "They have caught the thief". Be specific to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have caught" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It indicates that a group (they) has completed the action of catching something or someone, and this action has relevance to the present moment. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they have caught" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in the present perfect tense, indicating that a group has completed the act of catching something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. This phrase appears most commonly in news and media, as well as encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify who "they" refers to and what exactly has been caught. Related alternatives include "they apprehended" and "they captured", each carrying slightly different nuances. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively utilize "they have caught" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have captured

Substitutes "caught" with "captured", emphasizing the act of taking possession or control.

they have seized

Uses "seized" instead of "caught", suggesting forceful taking or confiscation.

they apprehended

Replaces "caught" with a more formal verb, implying official capture or arrest.

they have intercepted

Replaces "caught" with "intercepted", focusing on stopping something in transit.

they took into custody

Replaces the entire phrase with a more descriptive expression indicating formal detention.

they have identified

Focuses on recognizing or pinpointing something, which may or may not involve physical capture.

they detected

Shifts the meaning to discovery or recognition, rather than physical capture.

they discovered

Emphasizes the act of finding something, not necessarily capturing it.

they realized

Indicates a mental grasp or understanding, moving away from the physical sense of "caught".

they became aware of

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge or understanding, rather than capture.

FAQs

How can I use "they have caught" in a sentence?

Use "they have caught" to indicate that a group has apprehended someone or something. For example, "The police announced that "they have caught" the suspect".

What can I say instead of "they have caught"?

You can use alternatives like "they apprehended", "they captured", or "they took into custody" depending on the specific context and desired formality. For instance, "they apprehended" is suitable for official contexts.

Which is correct, "they have caught" or "they caught"?

"They have caught" is the present perfect tense, implying a recent or ongoing action with present relevance. "They caught" is the simple past tense, referring to a completed action in the past. Choose the tense that best fits your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "they have caught" and "they are catching"?

"They have caught" indicates a completed action with present relevance, while "they are catching" is the present continuous tense, describing an action in progress. For example, "they are catching fish now" versus ""they have caught" enough fish for dinner".