both gentlemen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'both gentlemen' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to two men when discussing them together. For example, "At the meeting today, both gentlemen agreed to the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

General conversation

Formal writing

News reporting

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But they're both gentlemen".

The Guardian

I hope it works out for both gentlemen.

The New York Times

"In item 11 insert (both gentlemen and lady sharks to read interests to blondes. It is that sharks, both gentlemen and lady sharks, prefer blondes.

The New Yorker

I told both gentlemen that it was desired the matter be kept secret.

Yale University

Having spoken with people in county government, there was dementia as a factor for both gentlemen.

The New York Times

(Years later I would get to know Roscoe, and his Timesman son, Dean, both gentlemen).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

007 looks genuinely discomfited, not only because the pane check of his mid-seventies plaid jacket makes your corneas melt, but because his status, as both gentleman and spy, is under threat.

The New Yorker

With the news that Google CEO Eric Schmidt is stepping down and founder Larry Page is taking over in the role, both gentleman and Google co-founder Sergey Brin joined the earnings call to address questions from analysts.

TechCrunch

Von Bock shared this point of view and both these gentlemen talked for half an hour about the measures which they wanted to adopt against this order.

Yale University

"I have nothing but the highest regard for both those gentlemen, and I had no signs of any impropriety," said James Shevlin, a telecommunications manager who teaches a third-grade Catholic education class at the church.

The New York Times

In a career that extended through seven decades, Mr. White showed extraordinary diversity, moving freely among periods, places and modes of dress, working equally well with cowboys and showgirls, circus roustabouts and rock stars (in "Bye Bye Birdie") and both the gentlemen and the blondes in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both gentlemen" when referring to two men in a context where respect and politeness are desired, such as formal events, business meetings, or when writing to or about individuals you wish to address with deference.

Common error

Avoid using "both gentlemen" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Simpler terms like "both men" or just using their names may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both gentlemen" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, serving to specifically identify and refer to two men. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both gentlemen" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to refer to two men, especially in situations where formality or respect is desired. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various professional and formal settings. While widely accepted, remember that simpler alternatives like "both men" may be more appropriate in casual contexts. Keep in mind the potential for sounding overly formal or sarcastic if used inappropriately. By understanding the contexts and nuances, you can effectively use the expression "both gentlemen" in your writing and speaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both men

Simplest and most direct alternative.

the two men

More neutral and less formal.

the pair of gentlemen

Adds emphasis on the pairing aspect.

both individuals

More formal and less personal.

the aforementioned gentlemen

Refers back to gentlemen previously mentioned.

both parties

Suitable in legal or formal agreement contexts.

the two figures

Applicable when referring to men in a visual context or abstract sense.

both chaps

More informal and British English.

the two fellows

Informal and slightly dated.

the two blokes

Very informal and British English.

FAQs

How can I use "both gentlemen" in a sentence?

You can use "both gentlemen" to refer to two men politely. For example, "Both gentlemen agreed to the terms of the contract".

What's a less formal alternative to "both gentlemen"?

A less formal alternative would be "both men", or simply referring to them by their names.

When is it appropriate to use "both gentlemen"?

It's appropriate in formal settings or when you want to show respect. Examples include business meetings, formal correspondence, or public speaking.

Is it ever incorrect to use "both gentlemen"?

It might sound out of place in very casual conversations or informal settings. Using it sarcastically could also be misconstrued.