they matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they matter" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to emphasize the importance or significance of a subject or group. Example: "In this discussion, their opinions matter." Alternative expressions include "they are important" and "they hold significance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They matter a lot.

The New York Times

So will they matter?

Independent

Why do they matter?

The New York Times - Arts

And do they matter?

Harvard University

Did they matter?

The Guardian

What did they matter?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But they mattered little.

The New York Times - Health

But they mattered.

The New York Times - Tech

And they mattered.

The New York Times

But they mattered very little.

The New York Times - Arts

The belief that they mattered.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Position the phrase at the end of a sentence or after a comma to provide a strong, emphatic conclusion to an argument.

Common error

Do not confuse the plural "they matter" with the singular "it matters". When referring to multiple items or people, ensure the verb remains in its base form without an 's'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they matter" functions as a complete independent clause or part of a larger sentence structure consisting of a plural personal pronoun and an intransitive verb. Ludwig AI identifies it as a correct and highly versatile construction used to assign value or relevance to a plural antecedent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "they matter" is an essential and grammatically correct English phrase used to denote the importance of plural subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse registers, ranging from emotional social appeals to rigorous business analytics. Whether you are writing an op-ed for The New York Times or a guidance article on WikiHow, this phrase serves as a powerful way to validate the significance of your subject matter. Always ensure subject-verb agreement by pairing the plural pronoun with the base form of the verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are important

Standard and direct alternative that is widely understood in any context.

they hold significance

More formal version suitable for academic or official reporting.

they are significant

Standard formal adjective-based alternative.

they count

A more concise and slightly more informal or punchy way to express value.

they carry weight

An idiomatic expression suggesting that the subjects have influence or authority.

they make a difference

Focuses more on the impact or result rather than just intrinsic value.

they are relevant

Suggests the subjects are applicable or pertinent to the current situation.

they have value

Implies worth, whether moral, ethical, or economic.

they are of consequence

Very formal phrasing typically found in high-level literature or historical texts.

they are noteworthy

Indicates that the subjects deserve attention or to be noticed.

FAQs

How do I use "they matter" in a sentence?

You can use "they matter" to highlight importance, such as: "Words are not just sounds; "they matter" deeply in how we communicate."

What can I say instead of "they matter"?

Depending on your tone, you can use "they are important", "they count", or "they hold significance".

Is it "they matter" or "they matters"?

"they matter" is the correct plural form. Using "matters" would be a grammatical error as it is the singular verb form.

What is the difference between "they matter" and "they carry weight"?

"they matter" is a general statement of importance, while "they carry weight" often implies that the subjects have specific influence or power in a decision-making process.