where they are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'where they are' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "We need to figure out where they are so we can pick them up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No. 1, where they are.

The New Yorker

Look at where they are.

The New York Times

We know where they are.

Independent

Wondering where they are now?

The New York Times

"Everyone knows where they are".

The New Yorker

Nogales is where they are dumped.

The New York Times - Travel

But now you see where they are".

The New York Times - Sports

"Where they are is kind of irrelevant.

The New York Times

"We know where they are occurring.

The New York Times

Many barely know where they are.

The Economist

Where they are I don't know.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "where they are", ensure the pronoun "they" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. If the referent is unclear, rephrase for clarity. For example, instead of "We need to know where they are", specify "We need to know where the missing documents are".

Common error

Avoid using "where they are" when the pronoun "they" has no clear antecedent. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Always ensure the pronoun's referent is explicitly stated or easily understood from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "where they are" functions primarily as a relative clause, specifying the location of the subject (they). It can introduce information about location within a larger sentence. As shown by Ludwig, the expression is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "where they are" functions as a relative clause used to specify a location. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. While versatile and appropriate for various contexts, it's crucial to ensure the pronoun "they" has a clear referent to avoid ambiguity. Predominantly found in news, business communications, and general discussions, "where they are" is a common and reliable way to convey or inquire about location. Remember to consider the formality level when choosing between "where they are" and more informal alternatives like "where they're at".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their actual location

Highlights the factual and precise position.

their current location

Focuses specifically on physical location.

their whereabouts

Implies an unknown location that is being searched for.

their position

Can refer to physical location, but also status or rank.

the place they occupy

Emphasizes the space or position someone holds.

whereabouts unknown

Highlights the uncertainty of their location.

the spot they inhabit

Emphasizes a more permanent or habitual location.

their present state

Shifts the focus to their condition or situation rather than location.

current circumstances

Switches from location to a broader context of situation or condition.

their situation

Refers to their general condition, not necessarily location.

FAQs

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

You can use "where they are" to indicate the location of a group of people or things. For example, "Do you know "where they are" hiding?" or "The police are investigating "where they are" storing the stolen goods".

What can I say instead of "where they are"?

Alternatives include "their current location", "their whereabouts", or "their position", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "where they're at" instead of "where they are"?

While "where they're at" is commonly used in informal speech, "where they are" is generally preferred in formal writing and speech because it's grammatically standard.

What's the difference between "where they are" and "where are they"?

"Where they are" is a relative clause used to indicate a location within a larger sentence, such as, "I need to know where they are." "Where are they?" is a direct question asking for someone's location.