These folks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "These folks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of people in a casual or informal manner. Example: "These folks have been working hard to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These folks are serious.

The New York Times

These folks are important.

The New York Times

These folks need each other.

The New York Times

These folks tried.

The Washington Post

These folks don't get it.

The New York Times

"These folks don't play video games.

The New York Times

These folks were not on the ball.

The New Yorker

These folks did more than just complain.

The New York Times

"These folks are not potted plants.

The New York Times

These folks here now got great buys".

The New Yorker

These folks are meant for each other.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "These folks", ensure that the context makes it clear who you are referring to. If there's any ambiguity, clarify by adding a descriptor, such as "These folks from the marketing department".

Common error

Avoid using "These folks" in formal academic papers, legal documents, or business reports where a more professional tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "these individuals" or "the aforementioned parties" to maintain formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "These folks" functions as a demonstrative phrase, pointing to a specific group of people. It often serves as the subject of a sentence, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig, such as "These folks are serious."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "These folks" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for referring to a group of people, as validated by Ludwig. While it's acceptable in many contexts, it's best suited for informal and semi-formal writing. Be mindful of your audience and the desired tone, opting for more formal alternatives like "these individuals" or "the aforementioned parties" in professional or academic settings. As Ludwig's analysis shows, the phrase is mostly used in News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

These people

A more neutral and common alternative.

These individuals

Uses a more formal term for people.

Those individuals

Similar to "these individuals" but with a slight distancing effect.

This group

Focuses on the collective aspect.

These members

Describes people that are part of a group.

The aforementioned people

Refers to people previously mentioned.

The subjects

More formal way to call people in essays or studies.

Such persons

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

Those concerned

Alternative to refer to specific people.

The parties involved

Formal way to describe individuals concerned in a specific situation.

FAQs

How can I use "These folks" in a sentence?

You can use "These folks" to refer to a group of people you are talking about, for example: "These folks are working hard to meet the deadline."

What's a more formal alternative to "These folks"?

In more formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "These individuals", "These people", or "The aforementioned parties".

Is it appropriate to use "These folks" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "These folks" may be too informal for academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "These folks" and "Those folks"?

"These folks" generally refers to people who are closer in proximity or relevance to the speaker, while "Those folks" refers to people who are more distant or less directly involved.