folks like these

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "folks like these" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific group of people in a casual or informal context, often implying a shared characteristic or behavior. Example: "I can't believe how generous folks like these can be when it comes to helping others in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I don't want folks like these back here and the folks in front of me to have to pay more at the pump every time there's unrest in the Middle East," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

"The biggest oil companies are raking in record profits — profits that go up every time folks like these pull into a gas station," Mr. Obama said, flanked by a cast of ordinary Americans who administration officials said have been hurt by rising gas prices.

The New York Times

If you have to deal with folks like these, probably better to keep your debt.

Forbes

You've got to love putting out a magazine for folks like these.

Forbes

We have a lot of fun over here but it's folks like these who remind us that freedom of press is privilege not to be taken for granted.

TechCrunch

You probably know folks like these — sons, daughters, neighbors, friends.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But, of course, the Judson folks liked to party, too.

The New York Times - Arts

"Some folks liked it.

Los Angeles Times

Also, folks liked him.

Huffington Post

I've never been sure why folks like the Washington Post needed these Facebook apps in the first place and I'm wary of adding a bunch of cruft to an already overstimulating Facebook experience.

TechCrunch

These folks, like the Diet Coke and Mentos guys, LonelyGirl15, and others, were among the first to deliver compelling content on a highly viral platform (i.e., YouTube and its embeddable player).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "folks like these", ensure the context is clear enough to identify who "these" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly mentioning the group you're referencing beforehand.

Common error

While "folks like these" is acceptable in many situations, it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "individuals such as these" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "folks like these" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically used to identify or categorize a group of people with shared characteristics. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various scenarios, highlighting its role in referring to specific demographics or individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "folks like these" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to identify a group of individuals with shared characteristics, commonly found in News & Media contexts with a frequency deemed uncommon. While perfectly acceptable, "folks like these" is best suited for informal or neutral registers. For formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "people of this kind" or "individuals such as these". Remember to ensure clear context when using "folks like these" to avoid any ambiguity in identifying the referenced group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people of this kind

More formal and less colloquial.

individuals such as these

Highly formal and emphasizes individuality.

those sorts of individuals

Slightly more formal than "folks like these".

those types of people

Carries a potentially negative connotation depending on the context.

individuals resembling these

Emphasizes a physical or behavioral resemblance.

people similar to them

Focuses on similarity rather than direct inclusion.

others of their ilk

Slightly archaic and can be perceived as derogatory.

persons akin to them

Very formal and less commonly used in modern speech.

people of that nature

Vague and requires more context to be understood.

characters of this type

Used when discussing fictional or archetypal people.

FAQs

How can I use "folks like these" in a sentence?

You can use "folks like these" to refer to a group of people sharing common traits or circumstances. For example, "We need to support "families like these" who are struggling to make ends meet".

What are some alternative phrases to "folks like these"?

Alternatives include "people of this kind", "individuals such as these", or "those types of people", depending on the level of formality and connotation you intend.

Is "folks like these" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "folks like these" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "individuals such as these" or "persons of this nature".

How does the meaning of "folks like these" differ from "people like them"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "folks like these" carries a slightly more informal and personal tone than "people like them". "Folks" adds a touch of familiarity, making it suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing.