they withdrew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they withdrew' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe when someone or something moves away from a situation or person, such as, "The army withdrew from the enemy's territory at daybreak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They withdrew his passport.

The New York Times

They withdrew behind the hill.

The New York Times

They withdrew their bid.

The New York Times

They withdrew the bid.

The New York Times

They withdrew his security clearance.

The Washington Post

They withdrew their troops from Anatolia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They withdrew after two hours.

The New York Times

Worried, they withdrew their offer.

The New York Times

They withdrew him a year later.

Britannica

In protest, they withdrew before Wimbledon began.

The New York Times - Sports

They withdrew their financial support and returned home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they withdrew", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to and what they are withdrawing from. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they withdraw" instead of "they withdrew" when referring to a past action. "Withdrew" is the past tense form, so using the present tense can lead to grammatical errors and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they withdrew" functions as an independent clause, typically serving as the main part of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a completed action in the past, where a group or entity removed themselves from a situation, agreement, or location. The subject "they" performs the action of withdrawing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they withdrew" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that functions as an independent clause, describing a past action of retreat or removal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject and the object of withdrawal to avoid ambiguity. While "they withdrew" is generally neutral, consider related phrases like "they retreated" or "they backed out" for nuances in meaning. Avoiding grammatical errors, like using the present tense instead of the past, is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they retreated

Focuses on the act of moving back, often in a military or strategic context. Retreated implies a planned or forced withdrawal.

they pulled back

Similar to withdrew, but with a stronger emphasis on a strategic or tactical maneuver.

they backed out

Emphasizes a decision to no longer participate or be involved in something.

they rescinded

Suggests the formal cancellation or revocation of something, like an offer or decision.

they took back

Emphasizes the act of reclaiming something that was previously given or offered.

they disengaged

Implies a deliberate act of separating or detaching from a situation or conflict.

they abandoned

Suggests leaving something or someone behind, often in a difficult or dangerous situation.

they relinquished

Implies a formal surrender or giving up of something, often a right or position.

they stepped down

Specifically refers to resigning from a position or role.

they opted out

Emphasizes a voluntary choice to not participate.

FAQs

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

You can use "they withdrew" to indicate a retreat, removal, or cancellation. For example, "After the negotiations failed, "they withdrew" their offer".

What is a synonym for "they withdrew"?

Synonyms for "they withdrew" include "they retreated", "they pulled back", or "they backed out", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "they withdrawed"?

No, "they withdrawed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past tense form is ""they withdrew"".

What's the difference between "they withdrew" and "they resigned"?

"They withdrew" generally means to retreat or remove themselves from something, while "they resigned" specifically means they formally left a position or job. For instance, "They withdrew their troops from the border" versus "They resigned from the committee".