they often are

USAGE SUMMARY

"they often are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something happens frequently. For example, "I'm running late for work; they often are the mornings when I'm pressed for time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they often are.

The Economist

They often are.

The Economist

Now, they often are not.

The New York Times

"Which they often are.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They often are in this volatile field.

The New York Times - Health

That is unnecessary, they often are told.

The New York Times - Health

They often are raising small children.

The New York Times

As indeed they often are.

The Guardian - Tech

They often are without health insurance.

The New York Times

(Like all economic predictions, they often are).

The New Yorker

They often are difficult to reach.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they often are" to emphasize the frequency of a particular state or condition. Ensure that the subject "they" is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they often are" without a clear referent for "they". This can lead to confusion and weaken your writing. Always ensure the pronoun's antecedent is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they often are" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the frequency with which something occurs. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they often are" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something occurs regularly. Ludwig confirms its validity. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, although clarity regarding the subject "they" is crucial. While appropriate for general use, more formal synonyms like "they frequently are" might be preferable in specific settings. Overall, understanding the nuances of "they often are" can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they frequently are

Replaces "often" with "frequently", indicating a high occurrence rate.

they commonly are

Substitutes "often" with "commonly", suggesting a usual or typical occurrence.

they typically are

Uses "typically" instead of "often", highlighting a characteristic or representative instance.

they usually are

Replaces "often" with "usually", implying that it's the normal or expected situation.

they generally are

Substitutes "often" with "generally", indicating a widespread or common pattern.

they regularly are

Uses "regularly" instead of "often", suggesting a consistent and repeated occurrence.

they tend to be

Shifts the focus to a tendency rather than a direct occurrence, implying a predisposition.

they will often be

Adds "will be" to indicate a future likelihood or expectation.

they can often be

Introduces "can" to suggest possibility rather than certainty of occurrence.

in many instances they are

Rephrases to emphasize the frequency by specifying "in many instances".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they often are" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "they frequently are" or "they commonly are". These options provide a similar meaning but elevate the language.

Is it always necessary to specify who "they" refers to when using "they often are"?

Yes, it is crucial for clarity. Ensure that the antecedent of "they" is clearly established in the context. Otherwise, your sentence may lack precision and be confusing to the reader.

What's the difference between "they often are" and "they usually are"?

While similar, "they often are" indicates a high frequency, whereas "they usually are" suggests that it's the typical or expected situation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "they often are" be used in all types of writing?

"They often are" is versatile and can be used in various types of writing. However, consider your audience and the desired tone. In very formal or academic contexts, slightly more sophisticated alternatives might be preferable.