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who they are vs who are they

Both "who they are" and "who are they" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Who they are" is used when the subject is already known, and the focus is on their identity. On the other hand, "who are they" is used when the subject is not known, and you are asking a question about their identity.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: July 05, 2024

who they are

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when the subject is already known, and the focus is on their identity. It is often used to provide information about a person or a group.

Examples:

  • I know who they are. They are the new neighbors.
  • Can you tell me who they are?
  • It's important to understand who they are before making a decision.
  • "Who They Are". Unleash the breath that damned wicked soul. Make the sacrifice for good. An omen passed the flame through the night. Benefit the figures face ...
  • "Who They Are" is track #3 on the album Beyond Hell / Above Heaven. It was written by Poulsen, Michael. (No other information is available for this lyric - would ...
  • Dec 12, 2013 ... Volbeat - Who They Are (lyrics). mexiryan. SubscribeSubscribed ... Music. "Who They Are" by Volbeat (Google Play • AmazonMP3 • iTunes) ...
  • Maya Angelou Quotes. When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. Maya Angelou. Biography. Author Profession: Poet. Nationality: ...

Alternatives:

  • who he is
  • who she is
  • who we are
  • who I am
  • who they were

who are they

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when the subject is not known, and the question is about their identity. It is often used to inquire about the identity of a person or a group.

Examples:

  • Who are they and why are they here?
  • Can you tell me who are they?
  • I don't know who are they, do you?
  • Nov 12, 2019 ... How many undocumented immigrants are in the United States and who are they? Elaine Kamarck and Christine Stenglein. Immigrants are sworn in ...
  • Nondaily smokers: who are they? Am J Public Health. 2003 Aug;93(8):1321-7. doi: 10.2105/ajph.93.8.1321. Authors. Kristen M Hassmiller , Kenneth E Warner, ...
  • Oct 16, 2018 ... Young adults at risk of early work disability: who are they?. BMC Public Health 18, 1176 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6095-0.

Alternatives:

  • who is he
  • who is she
  • who are we
  • who am I
  • who were they

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