they have driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have driven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people has operated a vehicle or has caused something to happen in the past with relevance to the present. Example: "They have driven across the country multiple times for their family vacations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have driven through a tree after all.

The Guardian - Travel

They have driven down perceptions of what customers should pay.

The Guardian - Business

"They have driven away all the reporters," he said.

The New York Times

Together they have driven down costs and brought about consolidation across the industry.

The Economist

They have driven prices low enough to force most small operators out of business.

The New Yorker

How is it that they have driven no positive message about their candidate or his agenda?

The New York Times

What pains me, though, is how they have driven so many from the church.

The New York Times

I like the white people, but they have driven me out of my home.

The Guardian

They have driven up 35 North to Hinckley, Minnesota, onto the Mille Lacs reservation.

The New Yorker

Third, to drive out the oppressors from where they have driven you out.

The New York Times - Arts

Museum officials say that would-be visitors call saying that they have driven to Woodstock and cannot find the museum.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they have driven" to describe a group's impact, ensure the context clearly indicates what they influenced or caused. For example, "They have driven sales up by 20% this quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "they have driven" in passive constructions where the subject performing the action is unclear or missing. It's better to use an active voice to maintain clarity and impact. Instead of "Mistakes have driven them to failure", write "Their mistakes have driven them to failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have driven" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. This tense indicates a completed action with relevance to the present or an action that occurred at an unspecified time in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they have driven" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase in the present perfect tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. It can describe physical movement or the impact a group has on something. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a variety of contexts, but most predominantly in news and media. When writing with this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what "they" influenced or caused. Consider alternatives like "they propelled" or "they steered" to add nuance. Avoid using "they have driven" in passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they caused

This option replaces "driven" with a direct causation verb, highlighting the result of their actions.

they led

Implies guidance and direction, focusing on leadership as the driving force.

they propelled

This alternative replaces "driven" with a stronger verb emphasizing forceful advancement or influence.

they directed

Emphasizes a guiding or controlling role, akin to driving a vehicle in a specific direction.

they steered

This alternative focuses on the aspect of guiding or directing something, similar to how "driven" can imply directing an outcome.

they moved

This alternative focuses on the physical or metaphorical act of relocating or influencing a change.

they impelled

Similar to propelled, this emphasizes a strong force or influence behind an action.

they motivated

This highlights the inspirational aspect of driving, suggesting they provided the incentive for action.

they spurred

Suggests encouragement and acceleration, highlighting the impact of their actions.

they advanced

This suggests forward progress or improvement, similar to the directional sense of "driven".

FAQs

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

Use "they have driven" to show a group's influence or movement. For example, "They have driven prices down" or "They have driven across the country".

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

Alternatives include "they propelled", "they steered", or "they caused" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they have drove" instead of "they have driven"?

No, "they have drove" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past participle of 'drive' is 'driven'. Therefore, the correct phrase is "they have driven".

What is the difference between "they have driven" and "they drove"?

"They have driven" implies a past action with present relevance or a completed action within a period leading up to the present. "They drove" simply refers to a completed action in the past without necessarily implying a connection to the present.