they mandated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they mandated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an authoritative command or requirement imposed by a group or organization. Example: "The committee decided that they mandated all members to attend the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They mandated random steroid testing for high school athletes.

The New York Times

But at the same time they mandated themselves to meet with Mittal as soon as possible.

The Economist

Loving education but hating taxes, they mandated lots more spending on schools, the largest bit of the budget.

The Economist

Abortion rights supporters, meanwhile, called Mr. Roeder's statements deeply chilling, and said they mandated nothing short than a first-degree murder conviction, which could carry a life sentence.

The New York Times

"They took little or no interest in civic affairs, but they did feel strongly about this place, and they mandated that their foundation be concentrated on crippled children in El Paso, and in Texas more broadly".

The New York Times

They mandated economic sanctions aimed at blocking North Korea from acquiring or proliferating nuclear and missile technology, but analysts have long suspected that Iran and North Korea were closely cooperating in their missile and nuclear programs, sharing components and test data.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"If they mandate condoms, people will shoot in other locations".

The New York Times

They mandate military detention for most terrorism suspects (although they focus especially on Muslims).

The New York Times

But at least they mandate critical inspections, as well as certification and training for operators.

The New York Times

But the doping agency's new rules went into effect in March, and they mandate stricter penalties.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, as in Ohio, they mandate that doctors should detect heartbeats using "standard medical practice," which they hope might halt some abortions even earlier than 12 weeks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they mandated", ensure the subject (they) is clearly defined and their authority to mandate is evident in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "they mandated" without clearly specifying who "they" refers to. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity in your writing. Always clarify the group or entity imposing the mandate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they mandated" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a group or entity imposed a compulsory requirement. This construction is commonly used to express actions taken by authorities to enforce rules, regulations, or standards. Ludwig confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they mandated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a group or authority has imposed a compulsory requirement. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is perfectly correct to express the concept. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who "they" refers to, and consider the level of formality required for your writing. Alternatives such as "they required" or "they stipulated" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis. The phrase appears in various authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Economist, further validating its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they required

Focuses on the necessity or obligation without necessarily implying authority.

they stipulated

Emphasizes a clear and specific condition or agreement.

they decreed

Implies a formal and authoritative order, often from a governing body.

they prescribed

Suggests a specific course of action or rule that must be followed, often in a professional or technical context.

they ordered

Implies a direct and authoritative command.

they directed

Suggests guidance or instruction with an expectation of compliance.

they authorized

Emphasizes permission or endorsement to carry out a specific action.

they compelled

Highlights the act of forcing or obliging someone to do something.

they enforced

Focuses on the implementation and upholding of a rule or law.

they enacted

Emphasizes the formal establishment of a law or regulation.

FAQs

How can I use "they mandated" in a sentence?

Use "they mandated" to indicate that a group or authority has issued a compulsory order or requirement. For example, "The board of directors "they mandated" that all employees attend the training session".

What are some alternatives to saying "they mandated"?

You can use alternatives like "they required", "they stipulated", or "they ordered" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "they mandated" or "they required"?

"They mandated" implies a formal and authoritative command. "They required" is a more general term indicating necessity. The best choice depends on the level of formality and the nature of the command.

Can "they mandated" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "they mandated" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing official decisions or regulations issued by a recognized authority. Consider the connotations of formality compared to alternatives like "they asked" or "they suggested".