they have done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people has completed an action or task in the past, with relevance to the present. Example: "They have done an excellent job on the project, and we are very pleased with the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have done that.

The New York Times

They have done so.

The New York Times - Sports

They have done nothing.

The New Yorker

And they have done that.

The New Yorker

That they have done artfully.

The New York Times

They have done it before.

The New York Times - Sports

"They have done their part".

The New Yorker

What should they have done?

The Economist

"They have done their homework".

The New York Times

They have done it again.

The Economist

They have done the impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they have done" to clearly indicate the completion of an action by a group, emphasizing the result or impact of their work. For instance, "They have done an excellent job in reducing the company's carbon footprint".

Common error

Avoid using "they have done" when referring to a singular subject. For example, instead of saying "The company they have done well", say "The company has done well".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have done" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action by a plural subject. It often highlights the result or consequence of the action, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they have done" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the completion of an action by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for most situations, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. Remember to ensure correct subject-verb agreement and be mindful of the implied connection to the present when choosing this phrase over "they did".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they accomplished

Focuses on the successful completion of a task or goal.

they achieved

Highlights the attainment of something desired or worked for.

they carried out

Emphasizes the execution or performance of a plan or instruction.

they executed

Similar to 'carried out', but can imply a more formal or planned action.

they performed

Highlights the act of carrying out a task, often in a professional or skilled manner.

they finalized

Indicates the completion and finalization of a process or task.

they concluded

Suggests the end of a process, often with a result or decision.

they finished

A more general term for completing something.

they undertook

Implies they started and completed a task, often a significant one.

they enacted

Often used in the context of laws or policies being put into effect.

FAQs

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

Use "they have done" to indicate that a group of people has completed an action in the past. For example, "They have done their best to address the issue".

What is a formal alternative to "they have done"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "they have accomplished" or "they have executed" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to say "they has done"?

No, "they has done" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they have done", as "have" is the correct auxiliary verb to use with the plural pronoun "they".

What's the difference between "they have done" and "they did"?

"They have done" implies a connection to the present, suggesting the results of their actions are still relevant. "They did" simply refers to a completed action in the past without necessarily implying a present connection.