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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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they have determination

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have determination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or a group of people who possess a strong will or resolve to achieve their goals. Example: "Despite the challenges they faced, they have determination to succeed in their endeavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They opened their arms" without weapons "to say that they are civilians, but they have determination for change".

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"A 22 year old could approach me and, if they know their market, and have determination and hunger, even if they don't initially know exactly what to do, I can tell they'll get it done," he says.

News & Media

The Guardian

But she did have determination and a dream.

News & Media

The New York Times

Have determination.

Have determination about what you are doing.

Be steadfast and have determination with this.

Luxy users are successful – they have passion, determination and they look good.

Ideal audience: hyperanalytical gamers who think they have the determination and intellect to thrive in a cold, harsh science-fiction universe.

News & Media

The New York Times

Mr Cameron's team believe they have the determination to hold steady where Mr Hague wobbled, and point out that Labour looks less invincible four years on.

News & Media

The Guardian

Mr. Carter has set an impressively high standard for what former occupants of the world's most powerful office can do if they have the determination and energy to continue in public service.

News & Media

The New York Times

They have the determination not just to create a product, but to create a business around it and get it to the finish line.

News & Media

TechCrunch
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "determination" with synonyms like "resolve", "tenacity", or "grit" for variety and to tailor the tone to your audience.

Common error

Ensure that the subject "they" correctly agrees with the verb "have". Avoid using "has" with the plural pronoun "they"; the correct form is always "they have determination".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have determination" functions as a statement attributing a specific quality—determination—to a group of people. It is a straightforward way to describe their character or approach, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they have determination" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a group's strong will and resolve. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its prevalence across various contexts, including news media, formal business settings, and general discourse. While synonyms like "resolve" or "tenacity" might be suitable for more formal writing, "they have determination" remains a versatile and widely understood way to emphasize a group's commitment to achieving their goals. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable expression in written English.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they have determination" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "they possess resolve", "they exhibit tenacity", or "they demonstrate a strong will". These options elevate the tone and convey a similar meaning with greater sophistication.

What does it mean when someone says "they have determination"?

It means that the people being referred to possess a strong will, resolve, and commitment to achieving their goals, even in the face of challenges or obstacles.

Which is a better phrase to use, "they have determination" or "they are determined"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "they are determined" emphasizes a state of being, while "they have determination" highlights the quality they possess. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some informal ways to say "they have determination"?

Informal alternatives include "they have grit", "they don't give up", or "they are really driven". These phrases use simpler language to express the same core idea.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: