they own

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they own" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate possession or ownership by a group of people or entities. Example: "They own several properties in the city, which they rent out to tenants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Because they own guns".

Independent

They own the space".

The New York Times

They own the masters.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They own Washington".

The New York Times

"They own you now".

The New Yorker

They own the Feline Hospital.

The New York Times

And they own buildings.

Yale University

"They own the building.

The New York Times

"They own it now".

The New York Times - Science

And then, they own stock.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They own stock, CDs, Savings Bonds.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they own", ensure that the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group or entity to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "They own the company", specify "The shareholders own the company".

Common error

Avoid using "they own" when referring to something that is publicly accessible or collectively managed. For instance, instead of saying "They own the park", consider clarifying with "The city manages the park" to avoid implying private ownership.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they own" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating possession or ownership by a group or entity. This is confirmed by Ludwig, and exemplified in the numerous examples provided, showcasing its use in asserting control or rights over something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they own" is a grammatically sound and prevalent phrase used to denote possession or ownership by a group or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and general conversation. To ensure clarity, always specify the group or entity "they" refers to. Common mistakes include overgeneralization, where the phrase is incorrectly used for publicly accessible resources. Alternatives like "they possess" or "they control" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the context. With its neutral register and widespread usage, mastering "they own" enhances both clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they possess

Replaces "own" with a more formal synonym, indicating possession.

they have

Uses a more general term for possession, suitable for broader contexts.

they control

Shifts the focus to the power and influence associated with ownership.

they are in charge of

Emphasizes responsibility and management alongside ownership.

they are the proprietors of

A more formal and legalistic way of stating ownership.

theirs is

Employs a possessive pronoun to indicate ownership.

they hold title to

Highlights the legal aspect of owning property or assets.

they are the masters of

Indicates a high degree of control and authority over something.

ownership lies with them

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize where ownership is located.

they have dominion over

Implies a powerful and comprehensive form of ownership or control.

FAQs

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

Use "they own" to indicate that a group or entity possesses something. For example, "They own the building" or "They own the rights to the song".

What are some alternatives to "they own"?

Alternatives include "they possess", "they control", or "they have ownership of depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "they owns"?

No, "they owns" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they own" because "they" is a plural pronoun that takes the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "they own" and "they manage"?

"They own" indicates possession, while "they manage" indicates responsibility for overseeing something. "They own the company" means they are the proprietors, whereas "they manage the company" means they are responsible for its operations.