Cool MateMeaning of They
people, animals or things that have already been mentioned or are easily identified
In simple words: A word used to refer to a group of people or to someone whose gender is not specified.
They in a sentence
- ‘Where are John and Liz?’ ‘They went for a walk.’
- They *(= the things you are carrying)* go on the bottom shelf.
- If anyone arrives late they'll have to wait outside.
- The rest, as **they say**, is history.
- They cut my water off.
- They now say that red wine is good for you.
How to use They
Use 'they' when referring to multiple people. It can also be used as a singular pronoun when a person's gender is unknown. Avoid using in very formal writing where gender-specific pronouns might be preferred.
Grammar pattern
pronoun + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'they' as the team — it stands in for a group or someone unnamed.
Related words
Collocations with They
- they say
- they are
- they want
Synonyms for They
- them
- those
- themselves
Common mistakes with They
- Using 'they' with singular verbs (e.g., 'They is going').
- Confused with 'them' as the subject.
- Misunderstanding its use as a singular pronoun.
They appears in
More words like They
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- AbilityA2
the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- AbleA2
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
- AbroadA2
In or to a country that is not one's own.
- AbsoluteB2
total and complete
- AbsolutelyB1
used to emphasize that something is completely true
People also search for
- They meaning
- meaning of They
- They definition
- define They
- what does They mean
- They means
- how to use They
Frequently asked questions about They
What does They mean?
A word used to refer to a group of people or to someone whose gender is not specified.
What is the definition of They?
people, animals or things that have already been mentioned or are easily identified
How do you use They in a sentence?
‘Where are John and Liz?’ ‘They went for a walk.’
Can you give another example of They?
They *(= the things you are carrying)* go on the bottom shelf.
What are synonyms for They?
Common alternatives include them, those, themselves.
What is the opposite of They?
Opposite meanings include we, I.
What words go with They?
It commonly pairs with they say, they are, they want.
What are common mistakes when using They?
Using 'they' with singular verbs (e.g., 'They is going'). Confused with 'them' as the subject. Misunderstanding its use as a singular pronoun.
How do you pronounce They?
US: /["/ðeɪ/"]/, UK: /["/ðeɪ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use They?
Use 'they' when referring to multiple people. It can also be used as a singular pronoun when a person's gender is unknown. Avoid using in very formal writing where gender-specific pronouns might be preferred.
What CEFR level is They?
"They" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.