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A2 pronoun #25 most common 13 min read

they

Top 25

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips they in 30 Seconds

Explanation they in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'they' is introduced as the basic plural pronoun for people. It is used to talk about groups of people you can see or have just mentioned. For example, 'Where are the children? They are in the garden.' At this stage, learners focus on the connection between a plural noun (children) and the pronoun (they). It is also used for plural objects, like 'I like these shoes; they are red.' The main goal is to understand that 'they' replaces more than one person or thing. It is always used with the verb 'are' in the present tense. Learners practice simple sentences to describe groups, families, and sets of objects. This helps them avoid repeating nouns and makes their basic English sound more natural. It's one of the first pronouns students learn after 'I,' 'you,' 'he,' and 'she.' Mastery at this level means being able to identify who 'they' refers to in a simple story or conversation.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'they' more flexibly. They start to understand the 'singular they' in very simple contexts, such as when the gender of a person is not known. For example, 'Someone is at the door. Who are they?' This level also introduces 'they' in more complex sentence structures, like using it in the past tense ('They were happy') or with modal verbs ('They can swim'). Learners also start to distinguish 'they' from its object form 'them' and possessive form 'their.' They learn to use 'they' to talk about groups in a more abstract way, such as 'They speak English in Australia.' This 'generic they' is a key step in moving beyond just describing immediate surroundings. A2 learners are expected to use 'they' consistently to refer back to plural subjects across two or three sentences, maintaining the flow of a short paragraph or a simple dialogue.

At the B1 level, 'they' becomes a tool for more sophisticated communication. Learners use the 'singular they' more frequently and naturally, especially after indefinite pronouns like 'everyone,' 'someone,' or 'nobody.' For example, 'Everyone brought their own book, and they all started reading.' B1 students also learn to use 'they' to refer to collective nouns like 'the team' or 'the government' when they want to emphasize the individual members of the group. They also start to recognize the use of 'they' in more formal contexts, such as in news reports or basic academic texts. At this level, students are expected to avoid common mistakes like subject-verb disagreement (e.g., using 'they is') and to ensure that the noun 'they' refers to is always clear to the listener. They also begin to use 'they' in conditional sentences and more complex narrative structures, showing a deeper understanding of how pronouns function in cohesive writing.

At the B2 level, students explore the nuances of 'they' in different registers. They understand how 'they' can be used to create a sense of distance or to refer to an anonymous authority ('They say that the economy is improving'). They also become proficient in using 'they' as a gender-neutral pronoun for specific individuals who identify as non-binary, reflecting modern social changes. B2 learners can handle 'they' in complex academic and professional environments, using it to avoid gender bias in their writing. They are also aware of the potential for ambiguity when using 'they' and know how to restructure sentences to maintain clarity. For example, they can distinguish between 'The managers told the employees they had to work late' and 'The managers told the employees that the employees had to work late' by using 'they' strategically. Their use of 'they' is fluid, accurate, and adapted to the specific needs of the context, whether it's a formal essay or a casual debate.

At the C1 level, 'they' is used with a high degree of precision and stylistic awareness. Learners understand the historical context of the singular 'they' and can discuss its evolution in the English language. They use 'they' to navigate complex sociolinguistic situations, showing respect for diverse identities through careful pronoun choice. In writing, C1 students use 'they' to maintain a sophisticated and inclusive tone, seamlessly integrating it into high-level academic or professional discourse. They are also adept at using 'they' in creative writing to build mystery or to reflect the collective voice of a community. At this level, the focus is on the subtle effects 'they' can have on the tone and perspective of a text. Students can analyze how authors use 'they' to manipulate the reader's focus or to challenge traditional gender norms. Their mastery of 'they' is nearly indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, characterized by both grammatical perfection and social sensitivity.

At the C2 level, 'they' is used with total mastery and an appreciation for its most subtle functions. Learners can engage in deep linguistic analysis of the word, exploring its role in the shifting paradigms of English grammar. They can use 'they' to achieve specific rhetorical effects, such as using the 'generic they' to critique societal norms or using the 'singular they' to push the boundaries of traditional narrative structures. C2 students are also aware of the regional variations in how 'they' is used and can adapt their language accordingly. They can write complex, multi-layered texts where 'they' is used to manage multiple levels of reference without ever losing the reader. At this ultimate level, 'they' is not just a pronoun but a versatile tool for expressing complex ideas about identity, society, and the nature of collective action. The C2 learner's use of 'they' is characterized by elegance, precision, and a profound understanding of the power of language to shape and reflect our world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

they in 30 Seconds

A versatile pronoun used to refer to plural subjects (people or things) and increasingly as a gender-neutral singular pronoun for individuals.
Always functions as the subject of a sentence and requires plural verb forms (e.g., 'they are'), even when referring to one person.
Essential for avoiding repetition and for inclusive communication in both casual conversation and formal academic or professional writing.
Commonly confused with 'them' (object) and 'their' (possessive), but its role is strictly as the 'doer' of the action.

The word they is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the English language. At its core, it serves as a third-person plural pronoun, meaning it represents a group of people, animals, or objects that have already been mentioned or are easily identified by the context of the conversation. However, its role has expanded significantly in modern English to include the 'singular they,' used when a person's gender is unknown, irrelevant, or when a person prefers gender-neutral pronouns. Understanding 'they' requires looking at both its traditional grammatical function and its evolving social significance.

Plural Reference: This is the most common use. If you are talking about your parents, you might say, 'They are coming to visit.' Here, 'they' replaces 'my parents' to avoid repetition and keep the flow of speech natural.

Look at those birds in the tree; they are building a nest together.

Singular Usage: When the gender of a person is not known, 'they' is the standard choice. For example, 'Someone left their umbrella; I hope they come back for it.' This usage dates back to the 14th century and is now widely accepted in formal writing.

In everyday life, 'they' is used to talk about authorities or vague groups of people. You might hear someone say, 'They are raising the prices again,' where 'they' refers to the government, a company, or society at large. This 'generic they' allows speakers to discuss actions without needing to specify exactly who is responsible. Furthermore, in professional settings, 'they' is increasingly used to ensure inclusivity. By using 'they' instead of 'he or she,' speakers can be more concise and respectful of all gender identities. This versatility makes 'they' a powerhouse in communication, bridging the gap between specific groups and general observations about the world around us.

If a student is late, they must provide a note from their parents.

Non-Binary Identity: For many individuals, 'they' is their personal pronoun. In this context, it is a specific reference to a single person who does not identify exclusively as male or female. Respecting this usage is a key part of modern English etiquette.

Alex is a great artist; they won the first prize in the national competition.

Ultimately, 'they' is about connection. It connects a subject to an action without the need for repetitive nouns. Whether you are describing a group of friends, an anonymous stranger, or a specific individual, 'they' provides the linguistic flexibility needed to navigate complex social interactions. It is a word that adapts to the needs of the speaker, proving that even the simplest pronouns can carry deep meaning and reflect the changing landscape of human identity and social structure.

When the guests arrive, make sure they have something to drink.

The scientists published their findings, and they hope to change the world.

Using 'they' correctly involves understanding its role as a subject pronoun. This means it is the 'doer' of the action in a sentence. It replaces the subject to make sentences cleaner and more efficient. For example, instead of saying 'The children played in the park until the children were tired,' we say 'The children played in the park until they were tired.' This substitution is vital for maintaining the interest of the listener or reader.

Subject-Verb Agreement: In English, 'they' always pairs with the plural form of the verb. This is true even if 'they' refers to one person. We say 'they are,' 'they go,' 'they have,' and 'they do.' This consistency makes it easier to remember, although it can feel strange at first when referring to a single individual.

The team practiced hard because they wanted to win the championship.

Referring to Inanimate Objects: 'They' is not just for people. It is the plural of 'it.' If you are talking about books, cars, or ideas, you use 'they.' For example: 'I love these shoes, but they are too expensive.'

When constructing complex sentences, 'they' can act as a bridge between clauses. It helps maintain the focus on the subject throughout a narrative. In storytelling, 'they' is indispensable for describing the actions of a group. 'They walked through the forest, they found a cabin, and they decided to stay.' Notice how the repetition of 'they' creates a rhythm and keeps the listener oriented toward the group's journey.

If anyone calls, tell them I am busy, but ask if they want to leave a message.

The Generic 'They': Sometimes 'they' refers to people in general. 'They say it's going to rain' doesn't mean a specific group of people said it; it refers to the weather forecast or general opinion. This is a very common idiomatic use in spoken English.

In some cultures, they eat with their hands as a sign of respect for the food.

In formal academic writing, the use of 'they' has become the preferred way to avoid gender bias. Instead of the clunky 'he/she' or 's/he,' 'they' provides a smooth, inclusive alternative. For instance, 'A researcher must ensure they have obtained consent.' This usage is now supported by major style guides like APA and MLA. By mastering the various ways to use 'they,' you can communicate more clearly, professionally, and inclusively in any situation.

The flowers were beautiful, but they wilted after only two days.

Whenever my neighbors have a party, they always invite the whole street.

'They' is omnipresent. From the lyrics of pop songs to the headlines of major news outlets, this pronoun is a workhorse of the English language. In casual conversation, you will hear it used constantly to refer to friends, family, and even strangers. It is the default way we talk about others when we aren't using their names. In movies and TV shows, 'they' is used to build mystery—'They are coming for us!'—or to describe the dynamics of a group of characters.

In News and Media: Journalists use 'they' to refer to organizations, governments, or groups of protesters. 'They reported that the economy is growing.' It provides a way to attribute actions to collective entities without being overly specific about individuals.

The authorities said they would investigate the incident thoroughly.

In Literature: Authors use 'they' to manage multiple characters. In a novel, 'they' helps the reader track the movements of a group. Famous authors like Jane Austen and William Shakespeare used the singular 'they' long before it became a modern topic of discussion.

In the workplace, 'they' is used in emails and meetings to refer to clients, other departments, or the management team. 'They want the report by Friday' is a sentence you might hear in any office. It’s also the primary pronoun used in HR policies and legal documents to ensure that the language applies to everyone, regardless of gender. This makes 'they' a crucial word for professional communication and workplace inclusivity.

If the customers are happy, they will likely return to our store.

In Science and Research: Scientists use 'they' to refer to their subjects or to other researchers in their field. 'They found that the reaction occurs faster at high temperatures.' It is a standard part of the objective tone required in scientific discourse.

The researchers noted that they observed a significant change in the control group.

Finally, 'they' is a staple of everyday storytelling. When we recount our day to a friend, we use 'they' to describe everyone we encountered. 'I went to the bank, and they were so slow!' or 'I saw some kids playing, and they looked so happy.' It is the linguistic glue that holds our social narratives together, allowing us to share our experiences of the world and the people in it with ease and clarity.

My friends said they would meet us at the cinema at seven o'clock.

If you ask the librarians, they will help you find the book you need.

Even though 'they' is a simple word, it can lead to several common errors, especially for English learners. One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing 'they' with its object form 'them' or its possessive forms 'their' and 'theirs.' Remember: 'they' is the subject (the one doing the action), 'them' is the object (the one receiving the action), and 'their' shows ownership. Another common issue is subject-verb agreement, particularly with the singular 'they.'

Confusion with 'Them': Learners often say things like 'Them are my friends.' This is incorrect because 'them' is an object pronoun. The correct sentence is 'They are my friends.' Always use 'they' before the verb.

Incorrect: Them went to the store. Correct: They went to the store.

Singular Verb Agreement: A common mistake when using 'they' for one person is to use a singular verb like 'is' or 'has.' Even when referring to one person, 'they' requires 'are' or 'have.' For example, 'If someone is lost, they are (not is) probably scared.'

Ambiguous reference is another pitfall. This happens when 'they' could refer to more than one group of people mentioned in the sentence. For example: 'The teachers told the students that they were going on a trip.' Who is going on the trip? The teachers or the students? To avoid this, it’s better to be more specific or restructure the sentence to make the meaning clear.

Ambiguous: My brothers met my cousins, and they were very happy. (Who was happy?)

Pronoun-Antecedent Disagreement: In very formal, old-fashioned grammar, some people still insist that 'they' cannot refer to a singular noun like 'everyone' or 'each person.' However, modern usage almost always favors 'they' over the gendered 'he' or the clunky 'he or she.'

Modern Standard: Everyone should bring their own lunch. (Avoids the sexist 'his' or the repetitive 'his or her').

Finally, some learners forget to use 'they' altogether, repeating the noun too many times. 'The dogs barked because the dogs were hungry' sounds repetitive and unnatural. Using 'they' correctly is a sign of advancing proficiency in English, as it shows you can manage complex sentence structures and maintain a natural flow of ideas. By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can use 'they' with confidence and precision in both your speaking and writing.

Incorrect: Each player must wear his uniform. Correct: Each player must wear their uniform.

Incorrect: They is ready. Correct: They are ready.

While 'they' is the primary third-person plural pronoun, there are other words and phrases that can be used depending on the context and the level of formality you want to achieve. Understanding these alternatives helps you avoid repetition and adds variety to your language. Sometimes you might want to be more specific, and other times you might want to be more general. Here is how 'they' compares to similar terms.

They vs. Them: The main difference is grammatical. 'They' is the subject, and 'them' is the object. Use 'they' when the group is doing something: 'They ate.' Use 'them' when something is being done to the group: 'I saw them.'

They called me, so I called them back.

They vs. People: 'People' is a noun, while 'they' is a pronoun. 'People' is more descriptive and is often used to start a conversation or a general statement. 'People like to be happy.' Once you've established you're talking about people, you can switch to 'they' for the rest of the sentence: 'People like to be happy, and they work hard for it.'

In some contexts, 'those' or 'these' can act as alternatives to 'they,' especially when pointing to specific groups. 'Those are the ones I want' is more specific than 'They are the ones I want.' Additionally, using collective nouns like 'the group,' 'the team,' or 'the staff' can provide more clarity than 'they' if the context is complex. However, 'they' remains the most versatile and common choice for everyday communication.

Instead of saying 'they,' you can say the committee to be more precise in a formal report.

They vs. He/She: When referring to a single person of unknown gender, 'they' is now preferred over 'he or she.' It is more inclusive and less wordy. For example, 'A doctor should listen to their patients' is smoother than 'A doctor should listen to his or her patients.'

If a person is hungry, they should eat something. (Better than 'he or she should eat').

Choosing the right word depends on your goal. If you want to be quick and efficient, 'they' is your best friend. If you want to be precise and formal, you might choose a specific noun or a more formal pronoun like 'one.' By understanding these nuances, you can tailor your English to any audience, making your communication more effective and sophisticated. Whether you are writing a text message or a formal essay, knowing when to use 'they' and when to choose an alternative is a key skill in mastering the language.

The birds flew south because they could feel the winter coming.

If the students have questions, they should raise their hands.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The participants indicated that they were satisfied with the results."

Neutral

"They are going to the cinema tonight."

Informal

"They're always making so much noise!"

Child friendly

"Look at the ducks! They are swimming in the pond."

Slang

"They really think they're doing something, huh?"

Fun Fact

The adoption of 'they' from Old Norse is one of the few times in history that a language has borrowed a basic pronoun from another language. Usually, pronouns are the most stable part of a language's vocabulary.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ðeɪ/

US /ðeɪ/

Single syllable, no internal stress. Can be stressed in a sentence for emphasis.

Rhymes With

day say play stay way gray may pray

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'th' as 'd' (dei).
Pronouncing 'th' as 'z' (zei).
Shortening the 'ay' sound too much.
Confusing the sound with 'day'.
Mumbling the word so it sounds like 'the'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a basic pronoun.

Writing 2/5

Requires care with subject-verb agreement and singular usage.

Speaking 1/5

Natural and frequent in all levels of speech.

Listening 1/5

Easily understood, though sometimes shortened in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

I you he she it

Learn Next

them their theirs themselves who

Advanced

antecedent epicene nominative gender-neutral collective noun

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Agreement

They are (not is) happy.

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

The students (antecedent) finished their work, and then they (pronoun) left.

Singular They

If a person is hungry, they should eat.

Generic They

They say it's going to be a long winter.

Subject Pronoun Position

They (subject) saw the movie.

Examples by Level

My parents are at home; they are watching TV.

Mes parents sont à la maison ; ils regardent la télé.

'They' replaces 'my parents' and takes the verb 'are'.

I have two dogs, and they love to run.

J'ai deux chiens, et ils adorent courir.

'They' refers to the two dogs.

Where are my keys? They are on the table.

Où sont mes clés ? Elles sont sur la table.

'They' is the plural of 'it' for objects.

The students are in class; they are studying English.

Les étudiants sont en classe ; ils étudient l'anglais.

'They' refers to the group of students.

Look at the flowers! They are very beautiful.

Regarde les fleurs ! Elles sont très belles.

'They' describes the plural noun 'flowers'.

Tom and Jerry are friends; they play together.

Tom et Jerry sont amis ; ils jouent ensemble.

'They' replaces the two names.

The apples are red, and they taste sweet.

Les pommes sont rouges et elles ont un goût sucré.

'They' refers to the apples.

My friends are coming, and they are bringing pizza.

Mes amis arrivent, et ils apportent de la pizza.

'They' refers to the friends.

If someone calls, ask them what they want.

Si quelqu'un appelle, demandez-leur ce qu'ils veulent.

Singular 'they' used for an unknown person.

The birds flew away because they were scared.

Les oiseaux se sont envolés parce qu'ils avaient peur.

Past tense 'were' used with 'they'.

They speak Spanish in many countries in South America.

On parle espagnol dans de nombreux pays d'Amérique du Sud.

Generic 'they' referring to people in general.

I like these shoes, but they are too small for me.

J'aime ces chaussures, mais elles sont trop petites pour moi.

'They' refers to the pair of shoes.

They are building a new school in our neighborhood.

Ils construisent une nouvelle école dans notre quartier.

'They' refers to an unspecified group of workers/authorities.

When the guests arrive, they will need a place to park.

Quand les invités arriveront, ils auront besoin d'un endroit pour se garer.

Future tense 'will' used with 'they'.

My sisters are doctors, and they work at the hospital.

Mes sœurs sont médecins et elles travaillent à l'hôpital.

'They' refers to the sisters.

They say that eating fruit is good for your health.

On dit que manger des fruits est bon pour la santé.

Idiomatic 'They say' meaning 'it is said'.

Everyone should bring their own laptop if they have one.

Tout le monde devrait apporter son propre ordinateur portable s'il en a un.

'They' follows the indefinite pronoun 'everyone'.

The committee met today, and they decided to change the rules.

Le comité s'est réuni aujourd'hui et ils ont décidé de changer les règles.

'They' refers to the members of the committee.

If a student loses their ID, they must go to the office.

Si un étudiant perd sa carte d'identité, il doit se rendre au bureau.

Singular 'they' for a generic student.

They have lived in this city for over ten years.

Ils vivent dans cette ville depuis plus de dix ans.

Present perfect tense used with 'they'.

The researchers found that they could not replicate the results.

Les chercheurs ont découvert qu'ils ne pouvaient pas reproduire les résultats.

'They' refers back to the researchers.

I don't know who left this bag, but they should come back for it.

Je ne sais pas qui a laissé ce sac, mais il devrait revenir le chercher.

Singular 'they' for an unknown person.

They were told to wait in the lobby until the manager was ready.

On leur a dit d'attendre dans le hall jusqu'à ce que le directeur soit prêt.

Passive voice 'were told' with 'they'.

Whenever my neighbors have a party, they always invite us.

Chaque fois que mes voisins font une fête, ils nous invitent toujours.

'They' refers to the neighbors.

If an employee feels unwell, they are encouraged to work from home.

Si un employé ne se sent pas bien, il est encouragé à travailler à domicile.

Formal singular 'they' in a workplace context.

They might have arrived already, but I haven't checked the door.

Ils sont peut-être déjà arrivés, mais je n'ai pas vérifié la porte.

Modal 'might have' with 'they'.

The protesters demanded that they be heard by the government.

Les manifestants ont exigé d'être entendus par le gouvernement.

Subjunctive mood 'they be heard'.

They say that the new law will take effect next month.

On dit que la nouvelle loi entrera en vigueur le mois prochain.

Generic 'they' referring to official sources.

Sam is non-binary, so they prefer to use they/them pronouns.

Sam est non-binaire, donc iel préfère utiliser les pronoms they/them.

Singular 'they' as a specific personal pronoun.

They had been walking for hours before they finally found the trail.

Ils marchaient depuis des heures avant de finalement trouver le sentier.

Past perfect continuous tense with 'they'.

If the customers aren't satisfied, they can ask for a full refund.

Si les clients ne sont pas satisfaits, ils peuvent demander un remboursement complet.

'They' refers to the customers.

They are often criticized for their lack of transparency.

Ils sont souvent critiqués pour leur manque de transparence.

Generic 'they' referring to a company or organization.

The authors argue that they have identified a significant gap in the literature.

Les auteurs soutiennent qu'ils ont identifié une lacune importante dans la littérature.

Academic use of 'they' to refer to researchers.

Should anyone wish to complain, they are entitled to do so through the official channels.

Si quelqu'un souhaite se plaindre, il est en droit de le faire par les voies officielles.

Formal singular 'they' in a legalistic context.

They, the people of this city, deserve better infrastructure.

Eux, les habitants de cette ville, méritent de meilleures infrastructures.

Emphatic use of 'they' followed by an appositive.

It is often said of the younger generation that they are more tech-savvy.

On dit souvent de la jeune génération qu'elle est plus à l'aise avec la technologie.

'They' refers to the collective 'younger generation'.

They might not have known the consequences, but they are still responsible.

Ils ne connaissaient peut-être pas les conséquences, mais ils sont tout de même responsables.

Concessive structure with 'they'.

If a person is to succeed, they must be willing to take risks.

Pour qu'une personne réussisse, elle doit être prête à prendre des risques.

Singular 'they' in a philosophical or general statement.

They were seen fleeing the scene shortly after the alarm went off.

On les a vus s'enfuir de la scène peu après le déclenchement de l'alarme.

Passive voice 'were seen' with 'they'.

Regardless of their background, they all share a common goal.

Quel que soit leur milieu, ils partagent tous un objectif commun.

'They' refers to a diverse group.

The shifting use of 'they' reflects broader societal changes regarding gender identity.

L'évolution de l'usage de 'they' reflète des changements sociétaux plus larges concernant l'identité de genre.

Metalinguistic discussion of the word 'they'.

They, as a collective, have the power to influence policy at the highest levels.

Eux, en tant que collectif, ont le pouvoir d'influencer les politiques aux plus hauts niveaux.

Use of 'they' to emphasize collective agency.

One might wonder what they, the ancestors of this land, would think of us today.

On pourrait se demander ce qu'eux, les ancêtres de cette terre, penseraient de nous aujourd'hui.

Hypothetical and poetic use of 'they'.

They are but a symptom of a much larger systemic issue.

Ils ne sont que le symptôme d'un problème systémique bien plus vaste.

Metaphorical use of 'they' to refer to abstract problems.

Should they fail to comply, the consequences will be severe and far-reaching.

S'ils ne s'y conforment pas, les conséquences seront graves et d'une grande portée.

Inverted conditional 'Should they fail'.

They have, in effect, rewritten the rules of the game.

Ils ont, en effet, réécrit les règles du jeu.

Parenthetical insertion 'in effect' with 'they'.

The beauty of the singular 'they' lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the individual and the universal.

La beauté du 'they' singulier réside dans sa capacité à combler le fossé entre l'individuel et l'universel.

Abstract philosophical discussion of 'they'.

They were, and remain, the most influential group in the history of modern art.

Ils étaient, et restent, le groupe le plus influent de l'histoire de l'art moderne.

Use of 'they' to maintain continuity across different time periods.

Common Collocations

they are

they say

they all

they both

they themselves

if they

so they

because they

where they

they will

Common Phrases

They say that...

— Used to introduce a common belief or a piece of news.

They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

There they go.

— Used when watching a group leave or move.

There they go, off on another adventure.

They're at it again.

— Used when a group is repeating a behavior, often annoying.

The neighbors are fighting; they're at it again.

What do they want?

— A common question about the intentions of a group.

The protesters are outside. What do they want?

They've got a point.

— Used to acknowledge that a group's argument is valid.

I disagree with them, but they've got a point.

They'll be fine.

— Used to express confidence in a group's well-being.

Don't worry about the kids; they'll be fine.

They're here!

— Used to announce the arrival of a group.

The guests have arrived. They're here!

They don't care.

— Used to describe a group's lack of concern.

You can complain, but they don't care.

They're on their way.

— Used to say a group is currently traveling to a place.

I just talked to them; they're on their way.

They're all the same.

— A generalization about a group of people.

Politicians? They're all the same.

Often Confused With

they vs them

'They' is the subject (They saw me), while 'them' is the object (I saw them).

they vs their

'They' is a pronoun (They are here), while 'their' is a possessive adjective (It is their house).

they vs there

'They' refers to people/things, while 'there' refers to a place or existence (There is a bird).

Idioms & Expressions

"They're in the same boat."

— Being in the same difficult situation as others.

We all lost our jobs, so they're in the same boat as us.

informal

"They've seen better days."

— Something is old and in poor condition.

Look at those old buildings; they've seen better days.

neutral

"They're on top of the world."

— Feeling extremely happy and successful.

After winning the game, they're on top of the world.

informal

"They're pulling your leg."

— They are joking or teasing you.

Don't believe them; they're just pulling your leg.

informal

"They're all ears."

— They are listening very carefully.

Tell them the story; they're all ears.

informal

"They're under the weather."

— They are feeling sick or unwell.

They won't be coming to work today; they're under the weather.

neutral

"They're in hot water."

— They are in trouble.

They broke the window, and now they're in hot water.

informal

"They're a dime a dozen."

— They are very common and not special.

Smartphones like those? They're a dime a dozen.

informal

"They're hitting the books."

— They are studying hard.

The students have exams next week, so they're hitting the books.

informal

"They're cutting corners."

— They are doing something poorly to save time or money.

The builders were too fast; they're cutting corners.

neutral

Easily Confused

they vs they're

Sounds exactly like 'their' and 'there'.

'They're' is a contraction of 'they are'. 'Their' is possessive. 'There' is a place.

They're going to their house over there.

they vs them

Both refer to the same group.

'They' is the subject (the doer). 'Them' is the object (the receiver).

They like me, and I like them.

they vs those

Both can refer to a group of things.

'Those' is a demonstrative (pointing). 'They' is a personal pronoun (replacing).

Those are my books; they are on the shelf.

they vs these

Both refer to plural objects.

'These' refers to things near the speaker. 'They' is a general pronoun.

These are my keys; they were in my pocket.

they vs one

Both can refer to people in general.

'One' is very formal and singular. 'They' is neutral and plural (or singular they).

One must be careful. They say you should be careful.

Sentence Patterns

They are + [adjective].

They are tall.

They + [verb] + [object].

They eat apples.

They were + [verb-ing].

They were playing.

If [someone] ..., they ....

If someone is late, they must wait.

They have + [past participle].

They have finished.

They say that ....

They say that it's cold.

Should they + [verb] ....

Should they arrive, tell me.

They, [appositive], ....

They, the leaders, agreed.

Word Family

How to Use It

frequency

One of the top 50 most common words in the English language.

Common Mistakes

Them are my friends. → They are my friends.
You must use the subject pronoun 'they' before the verb. 'Them' is an object pronoun and cannot be the subject.
If a person is late, they is in trouble. → If a person is late, they are in trouble.
Even when 'they' refers to one person, it always takes the plural verb form 'are'.
I saw they at the park. → I saw them at the park.
When the pronoun comes after the verb (as the object), you must use 'them' instead of 'they'.
The dogs barked because the dogs were hungry. → The dogs barked because they were hungry.
Repeating the noun 'the dogs' makes the sentence sound unnatural. Use 'they' to replace the noun.
Everyone brought his book. → Everyone brought their book.
While 'his' was traditionally used, modern English uses 'their' (and 'they') to be gender-neutral and inclusive.

Tips

Subject vs. Object

Always use 'they' as the subject of the sentence. If the pronoun comes after the verb or a preposition, you probably need 'them' instead. For example: 'They (subject) gave the book to them (object).'

Avoid Repetition

Use 'they' to replace plural nouns after you have mentioned them once. This makes your writing more professional and easier to read. 'The students studied hard because they wanted to pass' is better than repeating 'the students'.

Respect Pronouns

If someone tells you their pronouns are they/them, use 'they' to refer to them even if you are talking about just one person. It is a sign of respect and is grammatically correct in modern English.

Clear Antecedents

Make sure your reader knows who 'they' are. If you mention 'the cats and the dogs,' and then say 'they were hungry,' the reader might not know if you mean the cats, the dogs, or both. Be specific if needed.

The 'Generic They'

In conversation, use 'they' to refer to people in general or authorities. 'They say it's going to rain' or 'They are fixing the road.' This is a very natural way to speak and makes you sound like a native.

Formal Writing

In essays, use 'they' instead of 'he/she' to be more inclusive and less wordy. Most professors and editors now prefer this style. It is called the 'epicene they' and is a hallmark of modern academic writing.

Plural of 'It'

Don't forget that 'they' is also for things! If you have more than one 'it,' you have 'they.' 'I have two cars; they are both blue.' This is a common area where learners forget to use the plural pronoun.

Voiced 'TH'

Practice the voiced 'th' sound by putting your tongue between your teeth and vibrating your vocal cords. This distinguishes 'they' from 'day.' A clear 'th' sound is key to being understood.

They = The Others

A simple way to remember 'they' is to think of it as 'the others.' It's the word you use for any group that doesn't include you (I/we) or the person you are talking to (you).

Verb Agreement

Always pair 'they' with 'are,' 'were,' 'have,' or the base form of the verb (e.g., 'they go'). Never add an 's' to the verb when 'they' is the subject, even in the singular usage.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'They' as 'Them + Y'. 'They' are the ones doing the action, and 'Them' are the ones receiving it. The 'Y' at the end of 'They' looks like two arms reaching out to do something!

Visual Association

Imagine a group of people standing together in a circle. Each person is pointing to the center, representing a collective unit. This group is 'they'.

Word Web

Group Plural Subject Pronoun People Objects Gender-neutral Identity

Challenge

Try to write a five-sentence paragraph about a group of animals using the word 'they' in every sentence without it sounding repetitive.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Norse word 'þeir', which replaced the Old English 'hī'. This change occurred during the Middle English period as a result of Viking influence in Northern England.

Original meaning: The plural masculine demonstrative pronoun 'those'.

Germanic (Old Norse influence on West Germanic English).

Cultural Context

Always use 'they' if a person specifies it as their pronoun. Avoid assuming gender based on appearance.

In the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, 'singular they' is now the preferred style for most major newspapers and academic institutions.

The American Dialect Society's Word of the Decade (2010-2019). Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year (2019). Shakespeare's use of singular they in 'The Comedy of Errors'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family and Friends

They are coming over.
They love that restaurant.
They have three kids.
They are my best friends.

Workplace

They need the report.
They are in a meeting.
They approved the budget.
They want to hire more staff.

News and Media

They reported a fire.
They are predicting rain.
They won the championship.
They are protesting the law.

Shopping and Services

They are closed today.
They don't have my size.
They gave me a discount.
They were very helpful.

General Observations

They say it's lucky.
They're building a park.
They're always busy.
They're not from here.

Conversation Starters

"I saw your neighbors earlier; they seemed to be in a hurry. Do you know where they were going?"

"My friends are planning a trip to Japan. They want to go in the spring. Have you ever been there?"

"They say that this new movie is the best one of the year. Have you heard anything about it?"

"I heard they are opening a new cafe down the street. Do you think they will have good coffee?"

"My parents are visiting next week, and they want to see the museum. Would you like to join us?"

Journal Prompts

Think about a group of people you admire. Why are they important to you, and what have they taught you?

Describe a time when you saw a group of strangers doing something interesting. What were they doing?

Write about your favorite team or band. How long have they been together, and why do you like them?

Imagine you are watching a flock of birds. Where are they going, and what do they see from above?

Reflect on a time when someone used 'they' to refer to you. How did it make you feel, or what was the context?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'they' is the plural of 'it' as well. You can use it to refer to groups of animals, objects, or abstract ideas. For example, 'I love these flowers; they smell amazing.' It is the universal third-person plural subject pronoun in English.

Yes, this is called the 'singular they.' It is used when you don't know the person's gender, when their gender is irrelevant, or when the person identifies as non-binary. For example, 'Someone left their phone; I hope they come back for it.' This usage is very common and accepted.

You should always say 'they are.' Even when 'they' refers to a single person, it follows the grammatical rules of a plural pronoun. This is similar to how 'you' is used for both one person and many people but always takes 'are' (e.g., 'You are my friend').

'They' is a subject pronoun, meaning it performs the action in a sentence (e.g., 'They called me'). 'Them' is an object pronoun, meaning it receives the action (e.g., 'I called them'). You cannot use 'them' as the subject of a sentence in standard English.

You have to look at the context. Usually, 'they' refers to the last plural noun mentioned. If there are two plural nouns, the speaker should be careful to make it clear. For example, 'The boys met the girls, and they (the boys) were happy' is clearer if you say 'The boys were happy to meet the girls.'

'They' is neutral and can be used in any setting. However, the 'generic they' (e.g., 'They say it's good') is more common in informal speech. In very formal writing, some people prefer 'one' or 'he or she,' but 'they' is becoming the standard even in formal contexts.

Using 'they' is more concise and inclusive. 'He or she' can be clunky and repetitive in a long text. 'They' covers everyone regardless of gender and makes the writing flow more smoothly. Most modern style guides now recommend using 'they' for this reason.

Yes, in British English, it is very common to refer to a company or a team as 'they' (e.g., 'Apple said they are releasing a new phone'). In American English, 'it' is more common for companies, but 'they' is still used when thinking of the people in the company.

They are often confused because they sound similar, but they are different words. 'They' is a pronoun, 'their' is possessive, and 'there' refers to a place. They are called homophones. It's important to learn the spelling of each to avoid mistakes in writing.

It's not a new thing! The singular 'they' has been used in English since at least the 1300s. Famous writers like Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen all used it. It only became 'incorrect' in the 18th century when some grammarians tried to change the rules, but now it's back in favor.