clergy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clergy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are members or leaders of a religious group or denomination (e.g. priests, bishops, rabbis, etc.). For example, "The clergy will be giving a sermon at the church this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the moment, however, their group of roughly 55 rebel clergy has to rely on stubborn faith.

The Guardian

The striking workers are part of a coalition of unions, campaign groups, clergy and community members.

The Guardian

Both decisions, which mark a major shift in the Church of Scotland's attitudes to gay clergy, come as voters in Ireland prepare for an historic referendum on Friday on the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

The Guardian

"The struggle with nazism and fascism meant, especially among the clergy and church leaders, that nationalism had been seen as deviant and selfish and arousing darker, dangerous passions," he said.

The Guardian

About 600 protesters took part in the demonstrations, including a Welsh nationalist MEP, Scottish nationalist, Green and Labour members of the Scottish parliament, clergy, and the folk singers Roy Bailey and Leon Rosselson.

The Guardian

Catholic clergy were always welcome at Old Trafford and Matt laughed at the way Denis Law once pestered him for an introduction to a priest, a guest of Paddy Crerand.

The Guardian - Sport

This in part reflects an inherent caution on the part of many of the senior clergy - an instinct towards political quietism - but it also reflects the social and political change that has occurred throughout the country over 30 years.

The Guardian

Fisher called on the government to institute an independent redress scheme for victims of clergy abuse.

The Guardian

This is Lewis' "preacher novel" and concerns the gamboling fraudster Elmer Gantry's fluctuating success within the clergy.

The Guardian - Books

The price of funerals would be regulated on a sliding scale, suitable for the different social classes and the clergy compensated for the loss of burial fees, based on their income over the previous three years.

The Guardian

The urge to prey on children is not confined to the supposedly celibate clergy and exists in all walks of life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing religious institutions, use "clergy" to refer collectively to ordained religious leaders to maintain a respectful and accurate tone.

Common error

Avoid using "clergy" as a plural noun. "Clergy" is already a collective noun referring to a group of religious leaders; the plural is "clergy members" or a similar construction if you need to emphasize individual members.

Linguistic Context

The word "clergy" functions primarily as a collective noun. It refers to the entire body of ordained people within a particular religion, such as ministers, priests, or rabbis. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "clergy" is a collective noun used to refer to the body of ordained ministers or religious leaders within a faith. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in the News & Media. When writing about religion, remember that "clergy" refers to the group as a whole, not to individual members or different groups (i.e. “clergies”). Consider using synonyms like "religious leaders" or "ordained ministers" to add variety or specificity to your writing, when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faith leaders

General term for the leadership of different faiths.

religious leaders

Refers more broadly to leaders within any religion, not specifically ordained individuals.

ordained ministers

Specifically highlights the ordained status, emphasizing formal religious authority.

ecclesiastical officials

More formal and bureaucratic, referring to officials within a church structure.

spiritual guides

Focuses on the guidance and mentorship aspect of religious roles.

priesthood

Specific term, in some religions, for those ordained.

religious authorities

Highlights the power and influence held by individuals within a religious institution.

rabbinate

Specific term for the body of rabbis.

pastoral staff

Emphasizes the caring and community-oriented aspect of religious leadership.

temple authorities

Refers to leaders from non-Christian religions.

FAQs

How is the word "clergy" typically used in a sentence?

The word "clergy" is used as a collective noun to refer to the body of ordained ministers in a religion. For example, "The "clergy" often provide guidance to their congregations".

What's a good synonym for "clergy"?

Depending on the context, alternatives for "clergy" can include "religious leaders", "ordained ministers", or "ecclesiastical officials".

Is it correct to say "the clergies"?

No, the correct term is "clergy." "Clergy" is already a collective noun, so "the clergies" is grammatically incorrect. If you're referring to members of the clergy, use "clergy members".

What is the difference between "clergy" and "laity"?

"Clergy" refers to the ordained leaders or ministers of a religion, while "laity" refers to the ordinary members of a religious community who are not ordained.