divers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divers" is correct and usable in written English, though it is somewhat archaic and less common in modern usage.
It can be used to refer to various or several different things, often in a literary or formal context. Example: "The festival showcased divers talents from artists around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Smallest country taking part: Divers on the smallest island nation of the world, Nauru (8.1 square miles) will plunge into their coral reefs for an underwater clean-up.

The Guardian

They also brought in divers with ropes and equipment to examine a well near the house.

The Guardian

Navy divers and marine archaeologists are about to attempt a daring feat of polar exploration.

The Guardian

The ships became two of the most sought-after wrecks in marine history and Canadian divers and archaeologists have spent years seeking them, searches that had to be confined to a few weeks in summer when retreating ice shelves allowed ships to tow sonar through channels around King William Island, where the ships were believed to have sunk.

The Guardian

Efforts to preserve the reefs lining the coast have resulted in an impressive recovery of plants and fish, and even experienced divers will be impressed by the aquatic life thriving just below the surface.

The Guardian - Travel

The six-year study, which utilised scientists and divers from 19 countries, concluded that while the number of marine protected areas was increasing rapidly, the benefits generated were "difficult to predict and under debate".

The Guardian

Her body was found by police divers 48 hours ago.

The Guardian

When coastguard divers began an inspection of the area around the wreck, they found 20 more bodies underwater.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sundowners in Camps Bay, weekly open-air cinemas in Kirstenbosch, summer markets and chilled Cape wine will keep you (and any non-divers) smiling.

The Guardian - Travel

Jumpers are supposed to be experienced sky-divers before leaping from land.

The Economist

A lovely chilled island with a unique culture to discover for non-divers or in between dives.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divers", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to multiple individuals who dive, or to a variety of something. If clarity is needed, use "various" or "variety of".

Common error

Avoid using "divers" when you mean a single diver. Use "diver" for singular references and "divers" only for multiple individuals.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "divers" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple individuals who perform the act of diving. It can also function as an adjective meaning various, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Travel

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divers" functions primarily as a plural noun denoting multiple individuals who dive, or an adjective signifying various elements. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used, as demonstrated through numerous examples from diverse sources. While the term is generally neutral, context dictates formality, with news, travel, and science being frequent domains. Related terms include "various", "scuba divers", and "variety of", depending on the intended meaning. As a best practice, ensure clarity in distinguishing between the plural noun and adjectival forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various

A more direct synonym, highlighting the multiple and distinct nature of the items or individuals.

scuba divers

Specifies the type of divers, focusing on those who use self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

variety of

Emphasizes the different types or kinds within a group, shifting the focus from the individuals to the assortment.

assorted

Similar to "various", but often implies a more random or less organized collection.

underwater explorers

Highlights the exploratory aspect of diving, suitable when the context involves discovery or investigation.

frogmen

An older, more informal term for underwater swimmers or divers, particularly in a military context.

mixed group

Indicates a group composed of varied individuals or elements, emphasizing the heterogeneity.

diving team

Refers to a group of divers working together, emphasizing the collaborative aspect.

different

Highlights the distinction and dissimilarity of the elements.

plungers

Focuses on the action of diving, potentially applicable in contexts beyond just underwater activity.

FAQs

What does "divers" mean?

"Divers" can refer to multiple people who dive, especially underwater, or it can mean "various" or "different" things.

How can I use "divers" in a sentence?

You might say, "The team of "scuba divers" explored the coral reef", or "The project involved divers approaches to solve the problem".

Is "divers" a formal word?

The formality of "divers" depends on the context. Referring to underwater professionals is neutral. As a synonym for "various", it tends towards a more formal tone.

What's a synonym for "divers" when meaning "various"?

Alternatives include "various", "assorted", or a "variety of" depending on the specific context.