they have set

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "they have set" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would typically use this phrase when talking about plans or goals that someone has established or completed. For example: The goals they have set for the year are ambitious but attainable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they have set a trend.

The Economist

With luck, they have set valuable precedents for future deals.

The Economist

They have set up a customs service that works.

The Economist

In recent weeks they have set up a radio station.

The Economist

They have set the asking price at $2.5 million.

The New York Times

They have set their hopes on the next generation.

The Economist

They have set out to improve on London too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They have set us free down here in South Florida.

The New York Times

"The goals and standards they have set are good ones.

The New York Times

They have set records in cars with automatics.

The New York Times

I will take the envelope that they have set.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they have set" to clearly indicate that a group or entity has established a goal, standard, or rule. Ensure the context provides clarity on what has been set.

Common error

Avoid using "they had set" when referring to a recently established goal or standard. Use "they have set" to indicate that the setting is relevant to the present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have set" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the establishment of a goal, standard, or limit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they have set" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to indicate that a group or entity has established a goal, standard, or limit. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for both formal and informal contexts. With a "Very common" frequency of use, it's seen most often in News & Media. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "they established", "they defined", or "they instituted" to add nuance or formality to your writing. Remember to use "they have set" when the setting action is relevant to the present, and avoid confusing it with the past perfect "they had set".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they established

Focuses on the act of founding or creating something, shifting from intention to concrete action.

they've defined

Emphasizes clarity and precision in establishing boundaries or meanings.

they've instituted

Implies a formal or official introduction of a system or rule, changing the tone to more official.

they've initiated

Focuses on the commencement of an action or process.

they've determined

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect, suggesting a calculated choice rather than a simple setting.

they've implemented

Highlights the practical application or execution of a plan or system.

they've arranged

Highlights the act of organizing or planning something, implying a structured approach.

they've prescribed

Suggests a mandatory or recommended course of action, adding a sense of obligation.

they've designated

Indicates a specific assignment or appointment, narrowing the scope to a particular purpose.

they've stipulated

Implies a specific condition or requirement that must be met, making the tone more formal and legalistic.

FAQs

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

You can use "they have set" to indicate that a group or organization has established a goal, limit, or standard. For example, "They have set ambitious targets for the next quarter".

What's the difference between "they have set" and "they had set"?

"They have set" indicates a present perfect tense, meaning the action of setting is completed but has relevance to the present. "They had set" is past perfect, indicating an action completed before another point in the past. The right tense depends on the context.

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

You can use alternatives like "they established", "they defined", or "they instituted" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "they have set" formal or informal?

"They have set" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.