brethren

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "brethren" is indeed correct and usable in written English.
It is a word that is often used in religious contexts, typically to refer to a group of people that share a certain belief. For example, you could say: "The brethren gathered in the church to celebrate the holiday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Polite, popular, hard working and with an easy-going manner, he has worked the brethren assiduously for 20 years as an activist in Unison.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike their Turkish brethren, the Greek Cypriots are working hard at being "good Europeans".

The Economist

According to Pew, two-thirds of those who might be improved don't want houses of worship endorsing candidates.It's a tricky issue, but religious conservatives may eventually need to take solace in the faith of their market conservative brethren.

The Economist

Other countries based on an ethnic group Albania, for instance—have resisted the temptation to incorporate the territory of their brethren in neighbouring states.

The Economist

The covenant requires Anglican churches to avoid causing controversy by actions (such as ordaining openly gay bishops) which are likely to offend their more old-fashioned brethren.

The Economist

More tangibly, Czechs are likelier to have jobs than their Slovak brethren.

The Economist

But plenty of secular Sunnis and some religious ones might be won over if their Shia and Kurdish brethren offer the right mix of incentives and guarantees.

The Economist

But if that failed to happen, Serbs in Kosovo might emulate their ethnic brethren in Bosnia and create a "Serb republic" within Kosovo.

The Economist

The Palestinians also fear that such an acknowledgment might relegate their Arab-Israeli brethren in Israel as second-class citizens.

The Economist

They also tend to be remarkably globalised, again like Mittelstand firms.The biggest concerns of the executives surveyed quarterly by the National Centre are regulation and access to growth capital (they have plenty of working capital for ongoing operations, having built up cash reserves just like their bigger corporate brethren).

The Economist

THAT tall men have more sexual partners and more children than their shorter brethren is well known.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brethren", ensure the context aligns with its traditional use, referring to a group of people united by a common belief, profession, or origin. Consider whether a more inclusive term like "members" or "colleagues" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "brethren" in contemporary contexts where it may sound archaic or exclusionary. Opt for more neutral terms like "colleagues" or "peers" unless the specific historical or fraternal connotation is intended.

Linguistic Context

The word "brethren" functions primarily as a noun, specifically the plural form of "brother". It denotes a group of individuals sharing a common bond, often within a religious, fraternal, or professional context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brethren" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun used to denote a group of individuals connected by shared beliefs, origins, or affiliations. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, according to Ludwig AI, the term carries a neutral yet slightly formal register. While effective for denoting a collective identity, writers should be mindful of its potential for sounding archaic in contemporary contexts, considering alternatives like "fellow members" or "colleagues" when appropriate. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in referring to religious groups, ethnic communities, and professional circles, underscoring its continued relevance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brothers and sisters

This alternative broadens the scope to include both male and female members of a group.

coreligionists

This highlights shared religious beliefs or affiliations.

fellow members

This phrase emphasizes membership in a shared organization or community.

fellow believers

Similar to 'coreligionists', but emphasizes the act of believing in a shared faith.

comrades

This term highlights shared struggles or goals, often within a political or ideological context.

associates

This suggests a professional or working relationship among individuals.

peers

This indicates individuals of equal standing or status within a group.

colleagues

This term refers to individuals working together in a professional setting.

compatriots

This emphasizes shared nationality or allegiance to a country.

kinsfolk

This term refers to relatives or family members.

FAQs

How can I use "brethren" in a sentence?

You can use "brethren" to refer to a group of people sharing a common characteristic or belief, as in "The "religious brethren" gathered for prayer".

What are some alternatives to "brethren"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fellow members", "colleagues", or "comrades".

Is "brethren" a formal or informal term?

"Brethren" is generally considered a formal term, often used in religious or historical contexts. In modern, non-religious settings, other terms like "peers" or "associates" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "brethren" and "brothers"?

"Brethren" is the plural form of "brother", but it often implies a stronger sense of community or shared identity. While "brothers" simply denotes a familial or fraternal relationship, "brethren" suggests a more unified group with common goals or beliefs.