# they've

CEFR A1 · Pronoun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/theyve
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

the short way to say 'they have'. You use it when talking about a group of people who have done something or own something.

For teachers: the contracted form of 'they have'. Used as a subject followed by a past participle in perfect tenses or to indicate possession in informal contexts.

## Examples

- They've already finished their dinner.
- They've lived in this neighborhood for over twenty years and know everyone on the street.
- While the researchers admit the study is small, they've managed to identify a significant correlation that had previously been overlooked by their peers in the field.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They've a new car." but "They've got a new car. / They have a new car." — In many dialects, 'they've' is only used as an auxiliary verb; when showing possession, 'got' is added or the full 'have' is used.

## Usage notes

- A contraction of the pronoun 'they' and the auxiliary verb 'have'. In formal writing, the full form 'they have' is preferred.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.