good sirs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good sirs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a formal or polite address to a group of men, often in historical or literary contexts. Example: "Good sirs, I beseech you to consider my proposal with the utmost seriousness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Here, my good sirs and good ladies, some Shakespeare specialists give you their goodly advice.

The Guardian

But, good sirs, have no doubt about this: politics is back in Russia.

The New York Times

Don't mind me, good sirs.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Good sir!

The New York Times - Books

"Very good, sir".

The Economist

Who are you, good sir, to thrust.

The New Yorker

"Very good, sir," said the m aid.

The New Yorker

That's not good, sir. Character matters.

The New York Times

Primary Submitter: I'm pretty good sir. Very Good.

The New York Times

Very good, sir. What about $3?

The New York Times

India has developed formulations such as "Good Sir".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good sirs" when aiming for a formal, somewhat old-fashioned tone. It is appropriate in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of tradition or historical setting.

Common error

Avoid using "good sirs" in casual or contemporary settings, as it can sound overly formal or even comical. Opt for more common alternatives like "gentlemen" or "folks" in modern contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good sirs" functions as a polite and formal form of address, equivalent to "gentlemen". As shown by Ludwig, it is used to directly address a group of men, often in a respectful manner.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "good sirs" is a formal and polite form of address to a group of men, similar to "gentlemen". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. However, its usage is rare in contemporary English, primarily appearing in historical contexts or when aiming for a traditional or formal tone. As Ludwig shows, its primary function is to convey respect, and it is most commonly found in news and media sources. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentlemen

This is a more common and contemporary alternative to address a group of men politely.

esteemed sirs

This option adds a layer of high respect and formality to the address.

respected sirs

This option highlights the respect the speaker has for the addressees.

kind sirs

This option emphasizes the politeness and gentility of the address.

honorable gentlemen

This phrase conveys a high degree of respect and is often used in formal settings.

worthy sirs

This is a more archaic form that suggests respect for the men's accomplishments or status.

dear sirs

This phrase conveys warmth and familiarity in the address.

good people

A gender-neutral alternative that can be used when the gender of the audience is mixed or unknown.

friends

A less formal but friendly way to address a group of men, suitable for informal settings.

fellows

An informal and slightly archaic way to address a group of men, implying camaraderie.

FAQs

What does "good sirs" mean?

"Good sirs" is a polite and formal way to address a group of men, similar to saying "gentlemen". It is often used in historical or literary contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "good sirs"?

Use "good sirs" when you want to evoke a sense of formality, tradition, or historical setting. It is generally not appropriate for casual or modern contexts.

What can I say instead of "good sirs"?

You can use alternatives like "gentlemen", "esteemed sirs", or "good people" depending on the context.

Is "good sirs" still commonly used today?

While grammatically correct, "good sirs" is not commonly used in contemporary English. It is more frequently found in historical texts, period dramas, or when intentionally creating a formal or old-fashioned tone.