what they are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what they are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the identity or nature of something or someone in a descriptive context. Example: "The students were curious about the different species of birds, so the teacher explained what they are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tells what they are.

The New Yorker

That's what they are.

The New Yorker

"What they are is flexible".

The Economist

What they are not: subtle.

The New York Times

I know what they are.

Independent

That changes what they are.

The New York Times

They are what they are!

The New York Times

Guess what they are called?

Independent

That's what they are saying.

The New Yorker

what they are told.

The Guardian - Books

Humans know what they are.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what they are" when you need to clearly define or explain the nature, identity, or state of multiple subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "what they is" instead of "what they are". The verb must agree with the plural subject "they".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what they are" functions as a relative clause or a noun clause, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It introduces information about the identity, nature, or state of the subjects referred to by "they". As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what they are" is a versatile phrase used to define, describe, or explain the nature or identity of multiple subjects. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable, as indicated by its frequent usage in news media, academic texts, and wikis. While maintaining a generally neutral tone, the phrase benefits from understanding its context to ensure accurate subject-verb agreement and prevent misinterpretations. Considering alternatives such as "their true nature" can enrich writing by providing nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their true nature

Focuses on the essential qualities or characteristics.

their actual state

Emphasizes the current condition or situation.

their identity

Highlights the specific characteristics that define them.

what defines them

Shifts the focus to the defining aspects or attributes.

the reality of their existence

Adds a philosophical tone emphasizing their being.

the truth about them

Highlights a revelation or uncovering of facts.

the sum of their parts

Focuses on the individual components that constitute the whole.

their composition

Emphasizes the elements or ingredients that make them up.

their essence

Highlights the intrinsic and indispensable quality.

their inherent qualities

Focuses on the qualities that are naturally part of them.

FAQs

How can I use "what they are" in a sentence?

Use "what they are" to define or describe the characteristics of multiple subjects. For example, "The students learned what the different types of cells "what they are" during the biology lesson."

What is a formal alternative to "what they are"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "their true nature" or "their defining characteristics" to replace "what they are", depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey. For example, instead of saying "The report details "what they are"", you could say "The report details their defining characteristics".

Is it grammatically correct to say "what they is" instead of "what they are"?

No, "what they is" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""what they are"", as the verb must agree with the plural subject "they".

What's the difference between "what they are" and "what it is"?

"What they are" refers to multiple subjects, while "what it is" refers to a single subject. For example, "I understand what it is" (singular) versus "I understand "what they are"" (plural).