things have evolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things have evolved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that situations, ideas, or entities have changed or developed over time. Example: "Over the years, things have evolved in the tech industry, leading to more innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Things have evolved since then.

The New York Times - Magazine

But since the 1930s, things have evolved.

The New York Times

But things have evolved since then.

The Guardian

"And things have evolved in the last seven years".

The New York Times

All living things have evolved from these lowly beginnings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Things have evolved to a point where the public isn't too interested".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Forty-eight per cent said that humans and other living things had evolved over time (though only twenty-six per cent of those said that evolution was through natural selection; eighteen per cent said it was through guidance by a supreme being, and fourteen per cent didn't know).

The New Yorker

However the idea of such Internet of Things has evolved in a wider sense, referring now to a ubiquitous object society combining RFID, sensor networks and pervasive computing technologies.

Computer Communications

They wanted to preserve the herd's unique genetic makeup as the animals had survived the harsh island conditions--often eating seaweed--without any antibiotics or other amenities and, among other things, had evolved long bodies and short legs.

Science Magazine

If Sept. 11 had been a year later, maybe other things would have evolved.

The New York Times

There is therefore more space and time for things to have evolved in the sea than on the land.Biologists have focused on visible life for good reasons.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things have evolved" to subtly indicate progress or change without specifying exact details, allowing for a broader interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "things have evolved" excessively when a more direct and active voice would strengthen the sentence. For example, instead of "The software has evolved," consider "Developers enhanced the software."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things have evolved" functions as a statement indicating that a situation, process, or entity has undergone change over time. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to acknowledge progress or development. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's observation of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things have evolved" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that a change or development has occurred over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is typically used in a neutral register across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives such as "developments have occurred" or "progress has been made" may be more appropriate in specific situations, "things have evolved" remains a versatile and effective way to communicate the concept of change. The phrase is commonly found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, cementing its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developments have occurred

Focuses on the developments themselves rather than the general state of "things".

progress has been made

Emphasizes the positive aspect of the change, suggesting improvement.

times have changed

Highlights the alteration in eras or periods, more general than specific changes.

the situation has transformed

Implies a more dramatic and comprehensive change than a simple evolution.

the landscape has shifted

Used to describe changes in a broader context, like a market or industry.

circumstances are different now

States a clear contrast between past and present conditions.

there's been a transformation

Highlights a profound and significant change, often implying a complete alteration.

matters have progressed

Suggests a forward movement in a particular situation or series of events.

the world is not the same

Emphasizes the totality of change on a global scale.

the state of affairs has altered

Focuses on how the general condition or situation has been modified.

FAQs

How can I use "things have evolved" in a sentence?

You can use "things have evolved" to indicate a change or development over time. For example, "Since the initial launch, "things have evolved" considerably in the gaming industry".

What are some alternatives to "things have evolved"?

Alternatives include "developments have occurred", "progress has been made", or "times have changed", depending on the specific context.

Is "things have evolved" formal or informal?

"Things have evolved" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from a more precise alternative such as "the situation has transformed".

What's the difference between "things have evolved" and "things have changed"?

While both phrases indicate a difference over time, ""things have evolved"" often suggests a more gradual and natural progression, whereas "things have changed" can imply a more sudden or deliberate alteration.