fans

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fans" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to enthusiastic supporters or admirers of a person, group, or activity, often in the context of sports, entertainment, or hobbies. Example: "The concert was packed with fans who eagerly awaited the band's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't want that but how else are fans going to learn not to go on the pitch?

The Guardian - Sport

I remember when I was a youth-team player, fans putting money in buckets at the Winter Gardens.

The Guardian - Sport

And that was just the fans.

The New York Times - Sports

McDermott says his squad is too limited and needs January reinforcements – most fans agree, but many of them also detect unexpected limitations in McDermott's approach and are eager to see some new ideas as well as new faces.

The Guardian - Sport

Rodríguez had barely used Ramírez during the qualifiers but had come under immense pressure from fans to bring the player nicknamed 'El Pelé' to the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

I've watched a lot of Premier League and Championship football over the years and I've always been really impressed with Carrow Road and the Norwich fans and the way they get the place going when they get behind the team.

The Guardian - Sport

The first leg in Rome was marred by trouble when Feyenoord fans went on the rampage, causing damage to a 500-year-old fountain which experts said cannot be repaired.

The Guardian - Sport

Arsenal fans also delighted in his on-field berating of Özil following the 6-3 defeat at Manchester City last December; Özil had made straight for the dressing room, and not the travelling supporters.

The Guardian - Sport

Dees fans will hope he doesn't kick a bag against them but you'd hope that in all other respects, his return will be a success.

The Guardian - Sport

As for cast, the addition of Kit Harington positions the film for the attention of Game of Thrones fans, but the actor is pretty unproven at the theatrical box office.

The Guardian - Film

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Real Madrid fans to get behind "key player" Gareth Bale after the Wales international came under fire for going for goal instead of passing during Saturday's Primera División win over Espanyol.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "fans", consider specifying the type of fans you are referring to (e.g., sports fans, music fans, etc.) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "fans" of a particular thing behave the same way. Fan behavior can vary widely based on individual personalities and subcultures.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fans" is as a plural noun, referring to a group of people who admire or support a particular person, team, or activity. As noted by Ludwig AI, the term is widely used and considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

20%

Entertainment

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fans" is a common and grammatically correct plural noun referring to people who support or admire something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Sport contexts. While it is often used in a neutral register, it's important to avoid overgeneralizing fan behavior. Alternatives like "supporters", "admirers", and "followers" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Understanding the context and potential connotations is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporters

This alternative focuses on the act of actively supporting a team, individual, or cause.

enthusiasts

This alternative focuses on the strong enthusiasm and passion for a particular subject or hobby.

admirers

This term emphasizes the feeling of admiration and respect towards someone or something.

aficionados

This term refers to knowledgeable and enthusiastic admirers, often in the context of art or culture.

followers

This alternative highlights the act of following or adhering to a particular person, group, or ideology.

rooters

This term suggests enthusiastic support, especially in the context of sports.

devotees

This term suggests a strong and dedicated commitment to a particular interest or activity.

patrons

This term suggests a financial or influential support, often for the arts or a specific organization.

advocates

This alternative highlights active support and promotion of a cause or idea.

believers

This term emphasizes faith or conviction in a particular idea or system.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "fans"?

You can use alternatives like "supporters", "admirers", or "followers" depending on the context.

How to use "fans" in a sentence?

The word "fans" can be used as a noun to refer to a group of people who admire or support someone or something. For example, "The band has millions of fans around the world."

What's the difference between "fans" and "followers"?

"Fans" generally implies admiration and enthusiasm, while "followers" can simply mean people who track or subscribe to someone's content or activities, without necessarily implying strong admiration.

Is it correct to say "fan base" or "fans base"?

"Fan base" is the correct and more common term. "Fans base" is grammatically incorrect.