they have found

USAGE SUMMARY

"they have found" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has been discovered or identified, usually through some kind of search or investigation. For example: "After months of searching, they have found the lost city of Atlantis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They have found it now.

The Economist

They have found hats.

The New York Times

They have found one.

The New Yorker

They have found hope.

The Guardian - Sport

"Now they have found their vocal cords".

The New York Times

Indeed, they have found sanctuary in Bangladesh.

The Economist

There, they have found the drawbridge up.

The Economist

After many years, they have found rest.

The New York Times - Magazine

They have found B.B. very unyielding".

The New Yorker

But they have found an accommodation.

The New York Times

They have found their place here".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they have found", consider whether a more specific verb like "discovered", "identified", or "located" would provide greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Ensure that the pronoun "they" clearly and unambiguously refers to a plural subject that has been previously established in the text. Avoid using "they have found" when the antecedent is unclear or ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have found" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action in the present perfect tense. It describes a discovery or attainment that has occurred and has relevance to the current context. As Ludwig AI points out, the present perfect tense connects a past action to the present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they have found" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that indicates a completed action in the present perfect tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing discoveries, attainments, or solutions that have relevance to the present. It is most frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the referent of "they" is clear and consider whether a more specific verb might enhance clarity. Common alternatives include "they discovered", "they identified", and "they located".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they discovered

Replaces "found" with a more direct synonym emphasizing the act of discovery.

they identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing or establishing something specific.

they located

Highlights the act of finding the exact place or position of something.

they came across

Suggests a more accidental or unexpected finding.

they unearthed

Implies finding something hidden or buried, often with effort.

they ascertained

Focuses on finding something out for certain; more formal.

they determined

Similar to ascertained, highlighting the process of reaching a conclusion.

they realized

Emphasizes gaining an understanding or awareness.

they achieved

Implies finding success or reaching a goal.

they secured

Highlights the attainment of something valuable or important.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "they discovered", "they identified", or "they located" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "they have found" in a sentence?

"They have found" is used to indicate that a group has discovered something. For example: "After searching for hours, they have found the missing keys."

Is it correct to say "they have find" instead of "they have found"?

No, "they have find" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they have found", using the past participle of the verb "to find".

What's the difference between "they found" and "they have found"?

"They found" refers to a completed action in the past, while "they have found" implies a result that is relevant to the present. For instance, "They found the treasure last year" vs. "They have found a solution to the problem".