they have evolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have evolved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the development or progression of something over time, often in a biological, technological, or cultural context. Example: "Over the years, they have evolved to adapt to their changing environment, showcasing remarkable resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have evolved drastically since then.

University of California, Berkeley

"They have evolved to be more of a community space".

The New York Times

Although crocodiles are ancient, they have evolved considerably over time.

The New York Times - Science

After all, they have evolved over many years.

The Economist

They have evolved together, sharing ideas and influencing each other.

The Guardian

However, process conditions impose different requirements on enzymes to those in which they have evolved naturally.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics

And that's, I think, because they have evolved to sense membrane voltage.

Cornell University

Though they have evolved mostly in the suburbs, the retailers are now moving into urban locations.

The New York Times

They have evolved resistance to just about every pesticide used against them over the past century.

The New York Times - Books

They have evolved opaquely from syntheses of new technologies and military imaginations.

The New Yorker

So they have evolved an extraordinary adaptation to avoid bad weather.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they have evolved" when describing gradual changes or adaptations over extended periods, especially in scientific or historical contexts. Ensure the subject is capable of undergoing evolutionary processes.

Common error

Avoid using "they have evolved" to describe sudden or intentional changes. "Evolved" implies a gradual, natural process. For deliberate alterations, consider words like "transformed", "modified", or "developed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have evolved" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe how a subject has changed and developed over a period of time, often implying adaptation or advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

37%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they have evolved" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote gradual changes and adaptations over time. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across diverse contexts, notably in science, news, and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding instances where the change is sudden or intentional. Consider alternative phrasing options like "they have developed" or "they have progressed" to achieve greater nuance. The phrase enjoys a wide range of reputable sources, cementing its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have developed

Replaces 'evolved' with a more general term for growth or advancement.

they have progressed

Focuses on forward movement and improvement over time.

they have advanced

Emphasizes significant improvement or reaching a higher level.

they have transformed

Highlights a complete change in form or appearance.

they have matured

Implies a natural process of growth and refinement.

they have grown

Indicates an increase in size, number, or complexity.

they have improved

Focuses on the enhancement of quality or condition.

they have adapted

Highlights changes made to suit new conditions or environments.

they have changed

A broad term indicating any form of alteration.

they have modified

Suggests intentional alteration to achieve a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "they have evolved" to describe a gradual development or change over time. For example, "Over the centuries, their traditions "they have evolved" to reflect their environment".

What are some alternatives to saying "they have evolved"?

Alternatives include "they have developed", "they have progressed", or "they have changed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "they have evolved" when referring to non-living things?

While "they have evolved" is often used in biological contexts, it can be applied to non-living things if they undergo gradual changes over time. For instance, one might say "computer technology "they have evolved" rapidly in the last few decades".

What's the difference between "they have evolved" and "they have been developed"?

"They have evolved" implies a natural, gradual process of change, whereas "they have been developed" suggests a deliberate and intentional effort to create or improve something.