actors

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "actors" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to those who act professionally in films, TV shows, plays, opera, etc. For example: "The actors in the movie delivered an incredible performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Theatre

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eleven-year-old Haley Joel Osment's nomination for The Sixth Sense showed that the academy's weakness for child actors is alive and kicking, though he is far from the youngest ever.

The Guardian - Film

I wonder if the man chosen to play the charismatic Simpson – who won Sports Personality of the Year in 1965 – will come from Shane's trusted pack of actors?

The Guardian - Film

Change the actors – and the stakes – and it's a tired plotline familiar to many governments across the world.

The Guardian - Business

Forte agreed with Arquette "100%" but said it was difficult to quantify the pay gap, or to know whether fault lay with female actors or agents for not pushing hard enough, or with executives for resisting equal pay.

The Guardian - Film

I could see all the pain and suffering [in the actors].

The Guardian

But I think Hilary Swank might be entitled to be disappointed that she didn't make it for her performance in The Homesman and if the Academy was in the market for non-US actors, well … how about Berenice Béjo for The Past?

The Guardian - Film

He added that the programmes featured actors talking about the "adrenaline rush" experienced during the riots, taking revenge against police and bricks being thrown at cars – all issues raised during the trial.

The Guardian

Most of Grimble's youthful cast were first-time screen actors.

The Guardian - Film

While the practice has mainly been restricted to finishing off performances of actors who died midway through filming – such as Paul Walker in Fast and Furious 7 – it has also been utilised by advertisers, keen to attach famous faces to their brands.

The Guardian

"I don't think this will be the last time you'll see prominent western actors and filmmakers involved in Asian productions," says Justin Chang.

The Guardian - Film

(When non-disabled actors play disabled people, they love to squirm, startle and speak as if they were drunk).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actors" to refer to a group, while "actor" refers to an individual. Ensure subject-verb agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "actor" when referring to multiple individuals. Always use the plural form "actors" when discussing a group of performers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "actors" is as a plural noun, serving as the subject or object of a verb. It identifies a group of people engaged in acting, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Film

30%

Theatre

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "actors" is a common and grammatically correct plural noun used to refer to individuals who perform in various forms of media and entertainment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is primarily used in neutral contexts, such as news reports, film reviews, and discussions about theatre. When writing about "actors", ensure correct subject-verb agreement and consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate related term, such as "performers" or "cast members".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performers

Focuses on the act of performing, encompassing a broader range of performance types beyond acting.

cast members

Refers specifically to individuals who are part of a cast in a production.

players

Similar to "actors" but can also refer to participants in games or sports.

thespians

A more formal or literary term for actors, derived from Thespis, the first actor in Greek drama.

artistes

A French term often used to describe performers in a sophisticated or artistic context.

stage personalities

Highlights the individual's presence and character on stage.

screen personalities

Highlights the individual's presence and character on screen.

role players

Emphasizes the act of assuming a role, applicable in various scenarios beyond professional acting.

interpreters

Highlights the actor's role in interpreting and conveying a character or story.

portrayers

Focuses on the act of portraying a character, emphasizing representation.

FAQs

How do I use "actors" in a sentence?

"Actors" is used as a plural noun to refer to multiple performers. For example, "The "actors" delivered a captivating performance."

What's a more formal synonym for "actors"?

A more formal synonym for "actors" is "thespians", which carries a more literary or classical connotation.

Is it correct to use "actor" to refer to a group of performers?

No, it is incorrect. "Actor" is singular. The correct plural form is "actors". Use "actor" for one performer and "actors" for multiple performers.

What are some alternative words for "actors"?

Depending on the context, you can use "performers", "cast members", or "players" as alternatives to "actors".