they have expanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have expanded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a subject has increased in size, scope, or influence over a period of time. Example: "In recent years, they have expanded their operations to include international markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since 2000 they have expanded capacity by 44%.

The Economist

They have expanded spending from 2006 of $7.33bn and $14.67bn.

The Guardian

They have expanded into the space with ease.

The New York Times

In the Pacific Northwest they have expanded into open land recently created by logging.

Cornell University

They have expanded to Hong Kong, and there is talk of Istanbul, too.

The New York Times

Over the past decade they have expanded across a continent they thought was becoming indivisible.

The Economist

They have expanded hugely, and now often account for over half of a business school's revenues.

The Economist

But as they have expanded over the past two decades, multinationals have spread themselves more.

The Economist

Now they have expanded into friendly companions for how to do, basically, everything.

The New York Times

Business is so good that they have expanded into the facing storefront.

The Guardian - Travel

Amazon's UK operations started in Slough in 1998 but they have expanded rapidly since.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they have expanded", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the context clarifies what specifically has been expanded, such as operations, product lines, or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "they have expanded" without specifying what has been expanded. For example, instead of just saying "they have expanded", specify "they have expanded their product line" or "they have expanded their market share".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have expanded" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating that a subject has undergone a process of growth or increase in size, scope, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for expressing growth or increased capacity. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in diverse scenarios, from businesses expanding operations to research expanding its scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they have expanded" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for indicating growth or increase in various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in news, academic, and formal business settings, demonstrating its neutrality and broad acceptance. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what has been expanded to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "they have grown" or "they have widened" for nuanced meanings. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use this phrase to communicate expansion in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have grown

Synonymous replacement focusing on general increase in size or scope.

they have increased

General term for any kind of augmentation or addition.

they have widened

Focuses specifically on an increase in breadth or range.

they have enlarged

Emphasis on making something physically bigger or more extensive.

they have broadened

Highlights the increase in variety or inclusivity.

they have extended

Suggests stretching out in length, time, or area.

their scope has increased

Shifts the focus to the effect of expansion on their operational reach.

they have developed

Implies a more complex or advanced form of growth.

they have augmented

Refers to adding something to enhance or improve.

they have escalated

Implies rapid and significant increase, often in intensity.

FAQs

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

Use "they have expanded" to indicate that a group or entity has increased in size, scope, or influence. For example, "Since 2000, "budget airlines" have expanded capacity significantly."

What's a formal alternative to "they have expanded"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "they have augmented", "they have broadened", or "they have extended" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is it ever incorrect to use "they have expanded"?

While grammatically correct, ensure the context provides sufficient information about what specifically has been expanded. Avoid vague statements like "they have expanded" without specifying the area of growth.

How does "they have expanded" compare to "they have grown"?

"They have expanded" typically implies a more strategic or planned increase, while "they have grown" can suggest a more natural or organic increase. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the increase.