men in uniform

USAGE SUMMARY

"men in uniform" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe military personnel or police officers. For example: Officers from the local police department arrived at the scene, all of them wearing their men in uniform.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The men in uniform.

The Guardian - Books

Armed men in uniform kept reporters back.

The New York Times

Once men in uniform were the oppressors.

The New York Times

The presence of men in uniform doesn't reassure.

The Guardian

"It has only been attacks on men in uniform".

The New York Times

But the men in uniform numbered no more than 500.

The New York Times

A few men in uniform were seen with them.

The New York Times

14 young men in uniform?; cross legged person in center holds a football.

Cornell University

She said she hoped not seeing men in uniform every day would give her some relief.

The Washington Post

His antics for the men in uniform were, in part, a work born of grief.

The New York Times

Area had a "Hey Sailor" party last night, with free admission for men in uniform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "men in uniform" refers to a group of people so a plural verb must be used. For example: "The men in uniform are ready for action".

Common error

Avoid using "men in uniform" when referring to a specific individual. Instead, use terms like "officer", "soldier", or their specific rank and position. If you want to use "men in uniform" be sure you are not referring to a specific individual but a group of people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "men in uniform" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "men in uniform" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a group of individuals distinguished by their attire, usually indicating military or law enforcement roles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it serves to identify and describe these individuals. Although generally neutral in register, its connotations can vary based on context, ranging from respect to criticism. When using "men in uniform", consider the specific context to ensure accurate and unbiased communication. Alternatives like "military personnel" or "police officers" can provide greater precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uniformed officers

Rephrases the original by placing emphasis on the uniform, which is the defining characteristic.

military men

Simplifies the original phrase by directly stating the gender and association with the military.

military personnel

Refers specifically to members of the armed forces, a subset of "men in uniform".

officers in uniform

Changes the emphasis to the officers while still highlighting their uniformed appearance.

police officers

Highlights law enforcement officials, another specific type of "men in uniform".

members of the armed services

A more formal and complete way of referring to individuals serving in any branch of the military.

service members

Emphasizes the aspect of serving the country or community, relevant to "men in uniform" in a military or public safety role.

soldiers

Denotes those serving in an army, specifying a particular branch and role that is related to "men in uniform".

law enforcement

Focuses on the broader system and personnel responsible for upholding the law, including "men in uniform".

armed forces

Highlights the military organizations as a whole, where "men in uniform" typically serve.

FAQs

How can I use "men in uniform" in a sentence?

You can use "men in uniform" to refer to a group of military or police personnel. For instance, "The "men in uniform" were deployed to maintain order during the protest."

What's a less generic alternative to "men in uniform"?

Depending on the context, you could use more specific terms such as "military personnel", "police officers", or "service members".

Is it appropriate to use "men in uniform" in formal writing?

Yes, "men in uniform" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when referring to a collective group. However, consider if a more precise term would be more appropriate for clarity.

Can "men in uniform" have negative connotations?

Yes, depending on the context, "men in uniform" can evoke both positive associations like authority and protection, but also negative ones such as oppression or militarization. Be mindful of the potential implications.