they mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that someone has said or brought up in conversation or writing. Example: "During the meeting, they mentioned the need for a new marketing strategy to boost sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They mentioned Lincoln's moral character.

The New York Times

They mentioned the mayor.

The New York Times

They mentioned the chief.

The New York Times

They mentioned only good things to her.

The Economist

But they mentioned the MSF clinic.

The Guardian

And they mentioned the pill as well.

The Guardian - Film

They mentioned an $18.1 million contract.

The New York Times - Sports

Oh my god! they mentioned us!

The Guardian - Film

They mentioned Lyme disease, lupus, early arthritis.

The New York Times - Health

They mentioned Andrei Sannikov in the opening remarks.

The Guardian

Then they mentioned a problem tranferring the money electronically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they mentioned" when you want to indicate that a piece of information was brought up in passing or as part of a larger discussion, without necessarily being the main focus.

Common error

Avoid using "they mentioned" excessively in formal writing where more precise verbs like "stated", "indicated", or "specified" might be more appropriate to convey the exact nature of the information shared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they mentioned" functions as a reporting verb phrase, used to introduce information that someone or a group of people brought to attention, according to Ludwig. It is used to relay something that was said, noted, or referred to within a specific context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they mentioned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone has referred to a topic or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It commonly appears in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, aim for precision by considering alternatives like "they stated" or "they indicated" in formal settings. Steer clear of using "about" after "they mentioned". By adhering to these writing tips, you can effectively use the phrase in your own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they stated

Focuses on a more formal declaration or assertion rather than a casual mention.

they noted

Implies a more observant or perceptive comment, rather than simply bringing something up.

they indicated

Suggests a more subtle or indirect way of conveying information.

they pointed out

Highlights a specific detail or fact, often to draw attention to it.

they referred to

Specifically names or alludes to something or someone.

they brought up

Indicates the introduction of a topic into a conversation or discussion.

they touched on

Suggests a brief or superficial mention of a topic.

they alluded to

Implies an indirect or veiled reference.

they remarked

Signals a brief comment or observation.

they specified

Emphasizes giving explicit details.

FAQs

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

You can use "they mentioned" to indicate something that was brought up in a conversation or document. For example, "In the meeting, "they mentioned" the budget cuts."

What's a good alternative to "they mentioned" in formal writing?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "they stated", "they indicated", or "they specified" to convey a more precise meaning.

Is it correct to say "they mentioned about"?

No, the correct phrasing is "they mentioned" followed directly by the topic. Avoid using "about" after "mentioned". For example, say ""they mentioned" the deadline" instead of "they mentioned about the deadline".

What is the difference between "they mentioned" and "they suggested"?

"They mentioned" simply indicates that something was brought up, while "they suggested" implies that a proposal or recommendation was made. The former is neutral, the latter implies an action or plan.