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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
men was lower
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "men was lower" is not correct in English.
It should be "men were lower" to agree in number. You can use the corrected phrase when discussing a comparison or a situation where the status or position of men is being evaluated in relation to something else. Example: "In the past, men were lower in the social hierarchy compared to women in certain cultures."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
18 human-written examples
The sex ratio in 2011, at 908 women to 1000 men, was lower than the national figure of 933.
Wiki
The mean age of men was lower than that of women (p = 0.0255).
Science
The proportion of men was lower among ED patients (range: 44 45%) compared with H-GP-patients (range: 47 56%; table 1).
Science
The mortality of readmitted men was lower than the mortality of readmitted woman; 77 men (17.2%) died vs 95 (25.1%) women (P = 0.00001).
Science
The threshold in men was lower than in women, corresponding to a male prevalence that was almost twice that of females.
Science
The mean age and BMI of these new patients were similar to those of patients who entered stage 1, although the proportion of men was lower (31.3%).
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
42 human-written examples
And the graduation rate of black men is lower than that of any other group.
News & Media
Viktor is scathing: "Life expectancy for Russian men is lower under Putin than under Stalin, and in North Korea.
News & Media
(The numbers for Democratic men were lower, at 33 and 34percentt). Female Democrats also reported being more likely in the wake of the 2016 election to donate to political candidates and join political interest groups.
News & Media
The long-term (30-year) risk estimates were similar for the 2 sexes generally; varied somewhat with age (in men, being lower for those 50 years of age); and, overall, exceeded 1 in 2 persons for overweight or more, 1 in 4 individuals for obesity, and 1 in 10 people for stage II obesity (BMI > or = 35 kg/m2) across different age groups.
Academia
The incidence in men is lower (Trombetti et al 2002).
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When comparing groups, specify the metric being compared. Instead of just stating inferiority, say 'Men's average income was lower than women's' to provide clearer context.
Common error
Avoid using singular verb forms (was) with plural subjects (men). It is grammatically incorrect. Always use the plural form (were) when referring to multiple men. For example, use "men were less likely" instead of "men was less likely".
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "men was lower" is intended to function as a comparative statement, indicating a reduced state or position for men relative to something else. However, it fails to do so effectively due to grammatical inaccuracy. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically incorrect.
Frequent in
Science
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News & Media
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
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News & Media
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Formal & Business
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "men was lower" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. The correct form is "men were lower." While the intention is to express a comparison indicating a reduction in status or quantity, the grammatical error undermines its effectiveness. Ludwig confirms its incorrectness. It's crucial to use the correct plural verb form to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity in communication. When expressing similar ideas, consider using alternative phrases such as "male participation decreased" or "the proportion of men declined" for more formal and precise statements.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
men were fewer
Corrects the grammatical error by using the plural verb form "were" to agree with the plural subject "men", while still implying a reduced number.
male participation decreased
Replaces the original phrase with a more formal and grammatically correct statement indicating a reduction in male involvement.
the proportion of men declined
Offers a formal alternative indicating a reduction in the percentage of men within a specific group.
men ranked lower
Suggests a lower position or status for men in a hierarchical structure, maintaining a similar comparative meaning.
men were at a disadvantage
Implies that men faced less favorable conditions or circumstances, suggesting inferiority in a specific context.
men had a lower standing
Focuses on the reduced status or position of men compared to others.
fewer men were present
Highlights a smaller number of men being present, emphasizing a reduction in quantity.
the male contingent diminished
Indicates a reduction in the male group or representation, maintaining a similar meaning in a more descriptive way.
men's influence waned
Suggests a decrease in the power or effect of men, focusing on influence rather than numerical quantity.
men's presence lessened
Indicates a reduced presence or impact of men, maintaining a similar meaning of decrease.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say "men was lower"?
The correct phrase is "men were lower". The verb must agree with the plural subject "men".
What does it mean to say "men were lower"?
It implies that men had a reduced status or quantity compared to something else. The context determines the specific meaning.
Are there alternatives to saying "men were lower"?
Yes, depending on the context you can use phrases like "male participation decreased", or "the proportion of men declined".
Which is correct, "men was lower" or "men were lower"?
"Men were lower" is grammatically correct. "Men was lower" is incorrect due to subject-verb disagreement.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested