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They had

🇬🇧 UK //ðeɪ hæd// 🇺🇸 US //ðeɪ hæd//

Meaning of They had

A past form of 'have', indicating possession or experience.

In simple words: A group of people or things possessed something in the past.

They had in a sentence

• They had a wonderful time at the party last night.
• Last year, they had a different opinion about the project.
• During their trip, they had the best adventures.
• They had many opportunities to showcase their talents.
• In their childhood, they had lots of fun and laughter.
• They had a meeting about the new strategy yesterday.
• They had never seen such a beautiful sunset before.
• Although they had some difficulties, they succeeded in the end.
• In the past, they had a great friendship that lasted for years.
• They had all the necessary tools for the job.

How to use They had

Used to indicate possession or experience in the past. It's neutral and suitable in both formal and informal speech.

Grammar pattern

they + had + object

Memory hint

Imagine a group of friends looking back at their old toys - 'They had toys!'

Related words

Collocations with They had

• had a discussion
• had a chance
• had a memory
• had an experience
• had a plan

Synonyms for They had

• possessed
• owned
• held
• experienced
• contained

Common mistakes with They had

• Confused with present tense 'they have'.
• Misused with singular subjects, e.g., 'he had'.
• Omitted the object when it is necessary.

Frequently asked questions about "They had"

What does "They had" mean?

A group of people or things possessed something in the past.

What is the definition of "They had"?

A past form of 'have', indicating possession or experience.

How do you use "They had" in a sentence?

They had a wonderful time at the party last night.

Can you give another example of "They had"?

Last year, they had a different opinion about the project.

What are synonyms for "They had"?

Common alternatives include possessed, owned, held, experienced, contained.

What words go with "They had"?

It commonly pairs with had a discussion, had a chance, had a memory, had an experience, had a plan.

What are common mistakes when using "They had"?

Confused with present tense 'they have'. Misused with singular subjects, e.g., 'he had'. Omitted the object when it is necessary.

How do you pronounce "They had"?

US: //ðeɪ hæd//, UK: //ðeɪ hæd//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use "They had"?

Used to indicate possession or experience in the past. It's neutral and suitable in both formal and informal speech.