they will

USAGE SUMMARY

“they will” is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express future action or intention. For example: "The boss said they will be making changes to the office next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said, "They will, they will".

The New York Times

They will do that.

The New York Times

Naturally, they will clash.

The New York Times

"They will find ways".

The New York Times

And they will!

The New York Times

They will kill her.

BBC

They will hear prayers.

The New Yorker

They will stop.

The New Yorker

Or they will fall.

The New York Times

Mormons know they will.

The New Yorker

They will be multiplied".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they will" to clearly state future actions or intentions. It's versatile and easily understood in most contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, excessively using "they will" in formal documents can make the tone sound less sophisticated. Consider using stronger verbs or more concise phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they will" functions as a future tense construction, indicating actions or events that are expected to occur. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability in expressing future action or intention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science & Research

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they will" is a versatile phrase used to express future actions or intentions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While very common in news, media, and general writing, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. When in doubt, alternatives like "they are going to" or more formal constructions can enhance clarity and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're going to

Uses a contraction and "going to" to express future intention.

they shall

Employs "shall" for a more formal or emphatic expression of future action.

they are about to

Indicates immediate future action.

they intend to

Highlights the intention or plan to perform an action.

it is their intention to

A more formal way of expressing intent.

they are slated to

Implies that something is scheduled or planned.

they expect to

Expresses an expectation about a future event.

they anticipate

Similar to "expect", but often suggests a proactive preparation.

they are programmed to

Suggests a predetermined or automated action.

they are destined to

Implies a predetermined or inevitable future.

FAQs

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

"They will" is used to express a future action or intention. For example, "The team confirmed "they will attend" the conference next week."

What are some alternatives to "they will"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "they are going to", "they shall" (more formal), or "they intend to".

Is "they'll" the same as "they will"?

Yes, "they'll" is a contraction of "they will". Both have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably, although "they will" is slightly more formal.

When should I use "they will" instead of "they are going to"?

"They will" is generally suitable for formal and informal contexts. "They are going to" is more common in informal speech and writing. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.