they would move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they would move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hypothetical situation or a future action that is contingent upon certain conditions. Example: "If the weather improves, they would move to the new location by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they would move.

The New York Times - Sports

They would move when their lease expired, the couple resolved.

The New York Times

Many said they would move their events to alternative venues.

The New Yorker

We expected, and hoped, they would move conceptually".

The New York Times

But the oil companies said they would move swiftly.

The New York Times

They would move to coastal provinces, toil in factories and churn out the world's household goods.

The New York Times

In the past, when storms destroyed one island habitat, they would move to another.

The Economist

Instead of using live performance, they would move into new mediums that didn't require extensive texts.

The New York Times

Were he to become president, they would move further to the centre again.

The Economist

Texas, Mississippi and Alabama all announced they would move ahead with strict voter identification card requirements.

The New York Times

Republican supporters of the measure said they would move to reconsider the override on Monday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying the subject (who 'they' refers to) and the context of the movement. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient information for the reader to understand the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid mixing conditional and past tenses incorrectly. For example, don't say "If they moved yesterday, they will move today." Instead, use "If they had moved yesterday, they would move today" or "If they move tomorrow, they will move the day after."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they would move" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a conditional or habitual action. It suggests a potential action contingent on certain conditions, as seen in Ludwig examples where the movement depends on factors like funding or opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they would move" is a versatile modal verb phrase commonly used to express conditional actions, past habits, or future intentions contingent on specific conditions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, as evidenced by the numerous examples from reputable sources. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the subject and context of the movement. Common alternatives include "they would relocate" or "they would shift", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Avoiding incorrect tense sequencing is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they'd relocate

Shortened form using a contraction; slightly more informal.

they'd shift

Uses 'shift' instead of 'move', implying a change in position or strategy.

they would relocate

Synonym for move, implying a change of location.

they would transfer

Implies a movement from one place to another, often in a formal or organizational context.

they would change

A more general phrase indicating a change in something, not necessarily location.

they would proceed

Suggests a forward movement or continuation of an action.

they would advance

Implies progress or forward movement, often in a strategic sense.

they would act

Focuses on the action they would take, rather than the movement itself.

they were going to move

Expresses a future intention with less certainty than 'they would move'.

they intended to move

More formal way of expressing a planned movement or action.

FAQs

How can I use "they would move" in a sentence?

Use "they would move" to describe a hypothetical action or a past habit. For example, "If the opportunity arose, "they would move" to a new city", or "In the past, "they would move" every few years".

What are some alternatives to "they would move"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they would relocate", "they would shift", or "they intended to move".

Is "they would move" formal or informal?

"They would move" is generally considered neutral in tone. Its formality depends on the surrounding context and vocabulary. It can be used in both formal and informal settings without being out of place.

What does "they would move" imply about the action?

"They would move" often implies a conditional or habitual action. It suggests that the movement is dependent on certain conditions being met or that it was a regular occurrence in the past.