guys

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "guys" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an informal way to address a group of people, especially when the group consists of both males and females. For example: "Hey guys, thanks for coming to the party!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But I look at people who have been in politics for five, 10, 15 years, and muck up, you see them muck up and think, 'You guys are supposed to be pro!' "People that have gone to Oxbridge, had thousands spent on their education, and I mean they are royally mucking up".

The Guardian - Sport

"You guys know me".

The New York Times - Sports

Cowell added: "I want to thank ITV for their continued support and, most of all, all of you guys in the room who've slagged us off, written nice things, but it's all been great – you've made us successful, loads of money – so thank you very much indeed".

The Guardian

I always compare myself to the greats and I am just glad to be in the company of those guys.

The Guardian - Sport

For the second year running, Juventus's marketing team did a fine job of reimagining their players as ghosts, ghouls and cinematic bad guys.

The Guardian - Sport

They were shown other internal emails in which he requested payments: " It seems to me he has all this glory and u guys get his support in other things.

The Guardian - Business

Evans said he was attending to protest the "shredding of the constitution" and added that he was happy that "you guys on the left are finally starting to see it".

The Guardian

She was bantering in Creole with one of the guys.

The Guardian - Travel

It used to have a really big jazz department and the guys who worked there obviously really liked the music and you could interact with people.

The Guardian

Because, in a world in which the male body is currently being celebrated in so many forms – guys are now being applauded for "Dad Bod" (which gay men have long known as "bears") – showing a little leg shouldn't get anyone admonished from on the street, especially when it's not as though I invented short-shorts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You guys are such a good crowd," Celeste Cruz says mockingly between songs.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a mixed-gender group, "guys" is generally acceptable in informal settings. However, consider using more inclusive alternatives like "everyone", "folks", or "people" in formal or professional contexts to avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "guys" in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more professional terms such as "colleagues", "team members", or "participants" to maintain a respectful and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "guys" is as a plural noun, typically used as a form of address or to refer to a group of people, irrespective of gender in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "guys" functions as a plural noun most commonly used to address a group of people in informal settings. While it is generally acceptable in casual conversation and some news media contexts, it's best to opt for more formal alternatives like "people", "colleagues", or "team members" in professional or academic environments. As Ludwig AI confirms, "guys" is grammatically correct and widely used, but its appropriateness depends heavily on the context. Remember to consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing whether to use "guys" or a more formal substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people

A more general and formal term for a group of individuals, suitable for diverse contexts.

folks

An informal term for a group of people, often used in a friendly or familiar setting.

everyone

A phrase used to address all individuals present or being referred to, implying inclusivity.

y'all

A colloquial contraction of "you all", common in Southern American English.

team

Refers to a group of people working together toward a common goal.

group

A general term for a collection of individuals.

individuals

A formal term for people, emphasizing their distinct identities.

colleagues

Refers to people who work together, typically in a professional setting.

friends

Implies a closer, more personal relationship among the people being addressed.

dudes

A very informal term, typically used among young men.

FAQs

How to use "guys" in a sentence?

"Guys" is typically used as an informal way to address a group of people. For example: "Hey guys, let's get started!"

What can I say instead of "guys" to address a mixed-gender group?

You can use more inclusive alternatives like "everyone", "folks", or "people" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "guys" in a professional setting?

While "guys" is common in informal settings, it's generally better to use more formal terms like "colleagues", "team members", or "participants" in professional contexts to maintain a respectful tone.

What's the difference between "guys" and "dudes"?

"Guys" is a more general term for a group of people, while "dudes" is a more informal term typically used among young men. "Guys" is also more widely accepted when addressing mixed-gender groups.