whatever they are

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "whatever they are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used whenever you are referring to something that you don't know the specifics of or something that doesn't need further description. For example, "Whatever they are, they seem to be having a lot of fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever they are?

Forbes

Whatever they are, an audience seems ready.

The New York Times - Arts

But I accept the outcomes now, whatever they are.

The New York Times

"Now I leave it to them whatever they are doing.

The Guardian

Their crimes, whatever they are, are usually committed elsewhere.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever they are called, they seem happy to be here.

The Guardian - Travel

"Whatever they are, everybody needs some," said the auctioneer.

The New York Times

She and the campaigners mistrust whatever they are told.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those ready to join whatever they are told to!

The Guardian

Movie stars say they will do whatever they are asked.

The New York Times - Arts

Whatever they are called, demand for them is expanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whatever they are" to acknowledge uncertainty or irrelevance of specific details when those details don't impact the main point.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever they are" excessively in formal writing, as it can come across as vague or dismissive. Replace with more specific language when possible to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever they are" functions as a relative clause acting as a postmodifier. It adds extra information that isn't essential to the sentence’s core meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whatever they are" is a versatile relative clause used to express a generality, indifference, or lack of specific knowledge. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When writing, remember that it can be seen as vague in more formal writing. Alternatives include "regardless of what they are" or "no matter what they may be" . Keep in mind that while the phrase is generally useful, specific contexts might benefit from more descriptive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whatever those may be

Emphasizes the unknown nature of the specifics being referred to.

no matter what they might be

Highlights a sense of acceptance or indifference towards the unknown.

regardless of what they are

Stresses that the identity or nature of "they" does not change the outcome.

irrespective of their nature

Adds a formal tone, indicating the nature of 'they' is not a factor.

whatever their attributes may be

Specifically targets the characteristics or qualities of the subject.

whatever the details might entail

Focuses on the particulars and potential implications, not just the identity.

whatever the circumstances

Shifts focus to the surrounding conditions or situation, rather than 'they'.

whatever is happening

Broadens scope to encompass any event or activity taking place.

no matter the specifics

Emphasizes that the specific details are not relevant or important.

however they are defined

Draws attention to the means of categorization or labeling of "they".

FAQs

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

Use "whatever they are" to refer to things without specifying what they are, implying that the specifics don't matter or are unknown. For example, "I'll support their decisions, "whatever they are"".

What are some alternatives to using "whatever they are"?

You can use alternatives like "regardless of what they are", "no matter what they may be", or "irrespective of their nature" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "whatever they are" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "whatever they are" might be seen as too informal or vague in some formal contexts. Consider using more precise language when possible.

How does the meaning of "whatever they are" differ from "what they are"?

"Whatever they are" implies a lack of importance or knowledge about the specifics, while "what they are" is a direct question or statement seeking identification or clarification.