they'd
Definition
- Contraction (verb phrase):
- Short for "they had": "they'd" is a contraction used to represent "they had" when "had" is an auxiliary verb (forming the past perfect tense) or a main verb.
- Short for "they would": "they'd" is also a contraction used to represent "they would" when "would" is a modal verb (expressing conditional, habitual, or future-in-the-past actions).
Usage Examples
As "they had" (past perfect auxiliary):
- They'd already finished their homework before dinner. (They had completed their homework earlier.)
- If they'd known the truth, they would have acted differently. (If they had known the truth...)
As "they had" (main verb):
- They'd a great time at the party last night. (They had a great time — informal, often spoken.)
As "they would" (conditional):
- They'd come if you invited them. (They would come if you invited them.)
- She said they'd help us with the move. (She said they would help us — future-in-the-past.)
Advanced Usage
"They'd better": a common phrase meaning "they should" or "they ought to" (with implied consequence).
- They'd better leave now if they want to catch the train. (They should leave now.)
"They'd rather": meaning "they would prefer to".
- They'd rather stay home than go to the cinema. (They would prefer to stay home.)
Variants and Related Words
They'll (contraction): short for "they will".
- They'll arrive tomorrow. (They will arrive.)
They're (contraction): short for "they are".
- They're happy with the result. (They are happy.)
Synonyms
- They had: no direct synonym; the full phrase "they had" is used in formal writing.
- They would: no direct synonym; the full phrase "they would" is used in formal contexts.
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly; "they'd" is a contraction of auxiliary or modal verbs, not a phrasal verb itself.
Related Idioms
"They'd be hard pressed": meaning they would find it very difficult.
- They'd be hard pressed to find a better candidate. (They would find it difficult to find someone better.)
"They'd have a field day": meaning they would have a great opportunity for enjoyment or criticism.
- If the media found out, they'd have a field day. (The media would exploit the situation.)