my dears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'my dears' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a term of endearment or affection and it can be used when addressing someone you are close to. For example, "My dears, I hope you are doing well today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

At the time, Mr. Tkachev — an ally of President Vladimir V. Putin — responded sarcastically to the notion that officials should have taken any action, addressing the hecklers as "my dears".

The New York Times

For more than one person, you might also write "I miei cari (nome) e (nome)" (masculine plural) or "Le mie care (nome) e (nome)" (feminine plural), for "my dears (name and (name)".

WikiHow

This, my dears, is marriage.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the clothes, my dears.

The Guardian

Come, my dears, let your spirits lighten,.

The New Yorker

Should any kindly soul, my dears,.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"My dear!

The New Yorker

Elementary, my dear reader.

Independent

"For you, my dear".

The New Yorker

My dear young chaps!

The New Yorker

Believe me, my dear".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and relationship: "my dears" is best suited for informal or familiar situations where a touch of warmth is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "my dears" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can be perceived as condescending or out of touch. Opt for a more neutral greeting instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "my dears" is as a vocative phrase, used to directly address a group of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used as a term of endearment or affection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my dears" is a grammatically correct phrase used to address a group of people with warmth and affection. As noted by Ludwig AI, it serves as a term of endearment. While commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its use should be tailored to the situation, avoiding overly formal or professional settings. Alternative phrases such as "my loved ones" or "my friends" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my sweethearts

A more overtly affectionate and often romantic term.

my loved ones

Focuses specifically on familial or romantic love.

my beloveds

Emphasizes deep affection; stronger emotional tone.

my cherished ones

Highlights the value and importance of the people addressed.

dear friends

Combines affection with friendship.

my friends

A more general term of camaraderie, lacking the intimacy of "my dears".

my good people

A slightly old-fashioned, formal, and respectful address.

you all

A collective address, less personal and affectionate.

everyone

A completely neutral collective address, devoid of affection.

ladies and gentlemen

A formal and impersonal address to a mixed group.

FAQs

How can I use "my dears" in a sentence?

You can use "my dears" to address a group of people you care about, for example, "My dears, welcome to my home" or "Are you all comfortable, my dears?"

What is the tone of "my dears"?

The tone of "my dears" is generally warm, affectionate, and slightly old-fashioned. It is often used to express fondness or endearment.

When is it inappropriate to use "my dears"?

It may be inappropriate to use "my dears" in formal professional settings or when addressing strangers, as it can come across as condescending or overly familiar. In such cases, a more neutral greeting like "ladies and gentlemen" or "everyone" may be more suitable.

What are some similar phrases to "my dears"?

Similar phrases to "my dears" include "my loved ones", "my sweethearts", or simply "my friends", depending on the context and the relationship with the people you are addressing.