they relocated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they relocated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of moving from one place to another, typically in the context of people or businesses moving to a new location. Example: "After several months of planning, they relocated to a larger office space to accommodate their growing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the early 1920s, they relocated to Germany.

The New York Times

And they relocated it in adolescence.

The New York Times

In 2004 they relocated to Bethel, ME.

The New York Times

They relocated to Melbourne shortly after.

The Guardian - Music

Instead they relocated five blocks away.

The New York Times

(After World War II, they relocated to a nearby town).

The New York Times - Magazine

They relocated their settlement near a Duwamish Indian village, Duwamps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three years ago, they relocated to New York.

The New York Times - Style

Early in 1998, they relocated to south London.

The Guardian

They relocated to Japan when Mr. Paik was 17.

The New York Times

Ricky and Lucy lived on Manhattan's Upper East Side (though ultimately they relocated to suburban Connecticut).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "they relocated" is suitable for formal and neutral writing. For more casual writing, "they moved" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "they relocated" interchangeably with "they moved" in all contexts. "They relocated" often implies a more significant or planned move, whereas "they moved" is a more general term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they relocated" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a completed action of moving to a new location. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its use in describing both personal and organizational moves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they relocated" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe the act of moving and establishing oneself in a new location. According to Ludwig, it is considered appropriate for formal, neutral, and even informal contexts. While "they moved" can serve as a simpler alternative, "they relocated" often implies a more significant and planned move. It's commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and general writing, making it a reliable choice for various writing needs. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can use "they relocated" with confidence and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they moved

More general term for changing location, lacks the implication of establishing a new base.

they resettled

Indicates a move to establish a new home or community after displacement.

they relocated their headquarters

Specifies the relocation of a main office or business center.

they transferred

Suggests a move within the same organization or system.

they changed their residence

More formal way of saying they moved their home.

they migrated

Implies a large-scale movement, often for environmental or economic reasons.

they shifted their base

Implies moving the center of operations or activity.

they established themselves elsewhere

Focuses on the act of becoming settled and integrated in a new location.

they emigrated

Signifies leaving one's country to settle permanently in another.

they decamped

Suggests a sudden or hurried departure from a place.

FAQs

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

You can use "they relocated" to describe a group or organization moving to a new place, such as "After the fire, "they relocated" to a new facility".

What is a simpler way to say "they relocated"?

A simpler alternative to "they relocated" is "they moved". It is more general and suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "they relocated" and "they moved"?

"They relocated" implies a more significant or planned move, suggesting the establishment of a new base or residence. "They moved" is a broader term that doesn't necessarily carry the same implication. Using "they moved" might be better suited for describing quick/unplanned scenarios.

Is it correct to say "they are relocated" instead of "they relocated"?

While grammatically correct as a passive construction, "they are relocated" is less common and often implies that someone else caused them to move. "They relocated" is more direct and suggests they made the decision themselves.