they reported having

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "they reported having" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that somebody has already reported or described something that has happened. Example sentence: They reported having caught several large fish on their fishing trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They reported having arguments with brothers, fiancés and mothers.

The New York Times

They reported having better communication skills and communicating with other people in more effective ways.

Harvard Business Review

Women were adherent to breast cancer screening guidelines if they reported having a mammogram in the previous 2 years.

Cancer Epidemiology

They reported having more intrinsic motivation in terms of their jobs, so they found their job more interesting.

Harvard Business Review

Forty-six memberespondedded; they reported having swallowed more than 2,000 swords in the three preceding months.

The New York Times - Science

"They reported having witnessed executions and amputations, and mentioned that large amounts of money are being offered to civilians to fight against the Malian army and its supporters.

The Guardian

"But in instances where they reported having their foot on the brake pedal, there is very clear evidence that this is pedal misapplication".

The New York Times

Individuals were considered adherent to CRCS guidelines if they reported having a home-based fecal occult blood test in the past year or endoscopy in the past 10 years.

Cancer Epidemiology

They reported having referred to it frequently to prepare for lecture and section, and they were especially grateful for its availability when midterm and final examinations were scheduled and papers came due.

University of California, Berkeley

And so, what we found was at work, people who are engaged, workaholics, we're really similar to engage employees in that they had more personal resources that they reported, so they reported having better time-management skills.

Harvard Business Review

Participants were categorized as having had a hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy if they reported having a hysterectomy and both ovaries removed, or both ovaries removed without hysterectomy, before becoming naturally postmenopausal.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they reported having", ensure that the subjects (the 'they') are clearly defined and that the context provides sufficient information about who is reporting. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens clarity.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inconsistently when using "they reported having". If the reporting occurred in the past, maintain consistency by using past tense throughout the related clause. For example, avoid mixing past and present tenses, such as "They reported having a problem, but now they are fine."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they reported having" serves as a reporting verb construction. It introduces information communicated by a group about their experiences, possessions, or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples showcase its use in relaying information from studies, testimonies, and surveys.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

34%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they reported having" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to convey information sourced from a group of individuals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a reporting verb, summarizing collective experiences, possessions, or states. Its usage is particularly prevalent in scientific studies and news reports, reflecting its suitability for conveying factual information. While adaptable to various contexts, "they reported having" leans toward a more formal register. Alternatives like "they stated they experienced" exist, offering subtle shifts in meaning and emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who "they" refers to and maintain consistent tense. Overall, "they reported having" is a robust and reliable tool for summarizing information from groups, contributing to clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they stated they experienced

This alternative replaces "reported having" with "stated they experienced", which emphasizes the conveying of an event or sensation.

they indicated they possessed

This alternative uses "indicated" instead of "reported" and "possessed" instead of "having", suggesting a slightly more formal tone and emphasizing ownership.

they communicated that they had

This uses "communicated" to denote the action of conveying information and "had" as a simpler form of "having".

they mentioned they were in possession of

This alternative is more verbose, replacing "reported having" with "mentioned they were in possession of" to emphasize ownership or control.

they divulged that they were experiencing

This suggests a revealing of private information related to their experiences.

they disclosed they owned

This alternative employs "disclosed" suggesting revelation of information and "owned", which emphasizes possession.

they testified they were affected by

This version changes the verb to "testified", implying a formal declaration, and it replaces "having" with "were affected by", focusing on influence or impact.

they noted they included

Using "noted" suggests a written record, while "included" shifts the focus to listing or comprising something.

they confirmed their holding of

Using "confirmed" suggests a verification of information and "holding of" implies possession, often temporarily.

they affirmed their ownership of

Replaces "reported having" with "affirmed their ownership of" which carries a slightly stronger connotation of declaration and relates specifically to ownership.

FAQs

What does "they reported having" mean?

The phrase "they reported having" means that a group of people communicated that they possessed something, experienced something, or were in a certain state. It's used to convey information they provided, often in a formal or official context.

How can I use "they reported having" in a sentence?

You can use "they reported having" to introduce information that a group of people has stated or disclosed. For instance, "They reported having difficulties with the new software" or "They reported having a positive experience with the service".

What are some alternatives to "they reported having"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they stated they experienced", "they indicated they possessed", or "they communicated that they had". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "they reported to have" the same as "they reported having"?

While similar, "they reported to have" is more formal and suggests that the reporting is about a state or condition at a specific time. "They reported having" can imply a more ongoing or general state. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.