be they vs be they,

Both "be they" and "be they," are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Be they" is used in more formal or poetic writing, while "be they," is used in informal writing or dialogue.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 843 views

be they

This phrase is correct and is used in formal or poetic writing.

This phrase is used to introduce a clause or a list of items in a formal or poetic context.

Examples:

Be they friend or foe, we shall stand together.
The stars, be they bright or dim, always shine in the night sky.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is why businesses need the support of the public authorities, be they national or European.
Account is to be taken of the burden on respondents, be they business, households or individuals.
All over the world, crimes are being perpetrated against minorities, be they Christian, Jewish or Muslim.
Therefore, transport policy should not be divorced from other policies, be they regional, environmental, economic, social or employment.
All media users are target groups - be they young or old.
It is very important that equality can be implemented in Parliament's various roles, be they committees or delegations.
Once this calculation methodology has been defined, it should be applied uniformly to all payment circuits, be they domestic, pan-European or international.
The solidarity of the Renault workers, be they Belgian, French or Spanish, will have set a good example to everybody.
Secondly, there will be more competition in the internal market, which will also benefit consumers, be they individuals or companies.
As ever with Marxist extremists, be they Castro or Sinn Fein, they simply pocket the concessions and carry on regardless.
Currently, by decision of the Member States, the airlines use all necessary devices, be they child seats or safety belts.
Mr President, there is no respect for the fundamental rights of the ethnic minorities in China, be they Tibetans or Uyghurs.
Access to health services for all citizens, be they from the EU or immigrants with or without papers, is one of the basic human rights.
The European Union should include the issue of climate change in all of its agreements, be they bilateral or multilateral.
The Commission is in favour of channelling the support through all responsible lenders operating locally, be they banks or non-bank microfinance providers.
Now, the Council formulates a global approach aiming at better coordinating and enhancing the efficiency of individual projects, be they national, intergovernmental or European.
This opinion is focused on the rights of patients, i.e. people using healthcare systems, be they healthy or sick as defined by the World Health Organisation.
The promises of increased financial resources, be they international or domestic, should be subject to measurable, reportable and verifiable provisions.
Account should also be taken of the burden on respondents, be they businesses, central, regional or local government units, households or individuals.
Accordingly, Member States may under this Regulation implement on their territory national legislation that prohibits or imposes sanctions on acts of unfair trading practice, be they unilateral or contractual.

Alternatives:

whether they are
whether they be
whether they are or not
whether they be or not
regardless of whether they are

be they,

This phrase is correct and is used in informal writing or dialogue.

This phrase is used to introduce a clause or a list of items in an informal context or in dialogue.