our sons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our sons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the male children of a group that includes the speaker, typically in a familial or community context. Example: "We are proud of our sons for their achievements in school and sports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our sons!

The New York Times

"The soldiers are our sons.

The New York Times

"They're our sons.

The New York Times

"Our Sons Are Available," it read.

The New York Times - Magazine

We wanted the best for our sons".

The New York Times - Sports

(Our sons clash on the soccer field).

The New Yorker

Our sons and daughters see it.

Independent

My wife raised our sons.

The New York Times

Our sons were ashamed of us.

The Guardian

"These are our sons and daughters".

The New York Times

They are now our sons and daughters".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the cultural context. In some cultures, the emphasis on "sons" might be more pronounced due to societal or familial expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "our sons" in contexts where gender is irrelevant or where inclusivity is important. Consider using "our children" or "our kids" instead to be more inclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our sons" functions as a determiner phrase, where 'our' acts as a possessive determiner specifying that the sons belong to a group that includes the speaker, and 'sons' is a plural noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our sons" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote male children within a group. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness, highlighting its prevalence in contexts like news and media. When writing, consider the context and audience to ensure appropriate use, balancing formality and inclusivity. While commonly used, it's important to avoid over-emphasis on gender and be mindful of cultural nuances. Alternative phrases like "our children" or "our boys" can provide more inclusive or casual options depending on the desired tone and purpose. Remember to choose the phrase that best reflects your intended meaning and resonates with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our male children

Replaces the common term "sons" with a more formal and descriptive phrase.

our boys

An informal and affectionate alternative to "our sons".

the boys in our family

Highlights the family context and uses "boys" for informality.

our male heirs

Focuses on the aspect of inheritance and legacy.

our offspring (male)

A more general and biological term, specifying the male gender.

our male descendants

Emphasizes the lineage and ancestry aspect.

our lads

A more colloquial term, often used in British English.

the male members of our family

A more formal and descriptive alternative, stressing family inclusion.

our male progeny

A highly formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

the young men in our lives

Expands the scope to include young men who are significant in one's life, not necessarily biological sons.

FAQs

How can I use "our sons" in a sentence?

You can use "our sons" to refer to the male children within a group, such as "We are proud of "our sons" for their achievements" or "Let's create a better future for "our sons"".

What's a more inclusive alternative to "our sons"?

If you want to be more inclusive and gender-neutral, consider using "our children" or "our kids" instead of "our sons".

When is it appropriate to use "our sons" instead of "our children"?

Use "our sons" when you specifically want to emphasize the male offspring within a group or family, especially if the context is relevant to their gender. Otherwise, "our children" is generally a more appropriate choice.

Is there a difference in formality between "our sons" and "our boys"?

"Our sons" is generally considered more formal than "our boys", which is more casual and affectionate. Choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your writing.