sailors

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sailors' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word to refer to people who work on or serve on a boat. For example: "The sailors were exhausted after a long voyage at sea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On Monday evening, re-enactors planned a gathering at Breach Inlet between Sullivans Island and the Isle of Palms northeast of Charleston for a memorial service honoring both the Hunley crew and the five Union sailors who died.

The Guardian

He said: "It reads as a nightmare catalogue of serious safety breaches aboard and alongside these nuclear-armed submarines... Shortages of all types of crew on these submarines has been well-documented and the description of personnel in extremely stressful situations must be alarming given the huge responsibility some of these sailors are given.

The Guardian

To meet its medals target, Oman is counting on a core group of budding women sailors, but also on a very thorough talent-spotting system.

The Guardian - Sport

At least 56 sailors have been killed after a Russian fishing trawler sank in the Sea of Okhotsk, raising questions about whether the owner and crew had cut too many corners in pursuit of a big catch.

The Guardian

Prosecutor Scott Morrison said the British sailors were in Nova Scotia playing in a hockey tournament with Canadian armed forces.

The Guardian

Don't miss the beautiful sailors' church with its collection of model ships and port and starboard lights above the altar.

The Guardian - Travel

Now deep cuts in the number of sailors, soldiers and air force personnel are being forced upon them.

The Guardian

So you're never out of sight of dry land and they are not tidal, which makes them very attractive for novice sailors.

The Guardian - Travel

Although these are the British Virgin Islands, most sailors in these parts are American.

The Guardian - Travel

Her concern for the sailors and their families after the bombing of HMS Sheffield was palpable.

The Guardian

020-8827 1971, homeaway.co.uk/France/holiday-villa-Charente-Maritime Good for surfers and sailors Sleeps 6 Cost from €600 a week This bleached, wood-clad, grey-and-white bolthole is just feet from the sands of Plage des Sables Blanc, north of Concarneau, with a south-west-facing beach terrace that's a great suntrap.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "sailors", consider the specific context and choose a synonym if a more precise term is needed (e.g., "mariners" for a formal setting, "navy personnel" for military contexts).

Common error

While "sailor" is traditionally gender-neutral, be mindful of using gender-inclusive language where appropriate. If referring to an all-female crew, consider using "female sailors" for clarity or using gender-neutral terms like "crew members".

Linguistic Context

The word "sailors" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to individuals who work on or operate ships or boats. It serves to identify a group of people engaged in maritime activities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "sailors" is a commonly used and grammatically correct plural noun that refers to individuals who work on or operate ships or boats. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While generally neutral, the specific context might warrant a more precise synonym. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as formal and scientific domains. When using the word "sailors", be mindful of potentially gendered connotations and be open to inclusive language when appropriate. The word is well-defined and easy to use within the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mariners

A more formal and literary term for seafarers or those who navigate the seas.

seafarers

General term for people who travel by sea, often emphasizing their adventurous spirit.

ship's crew

Refers to the collective group of individuals operating a vessel.

seamen

A general term for sailors, especially those in the merchant navy.

deckhands

Refers to sailors who work on the deck of a ship, performing manual labor.

sea dogs

An informal, often affectionate term for experienced sailors, implying toughness and skill.

navy personnel

Specifically refers to individuals serving in a naval military force.

yachtsmen

Individuals who sail yachts, often for recreational purposes.

naval officers

Specifically refers to officers serving in a naval military force.

boaters

People who use boats for leisure or sport, encompassing a wider range of vessels.

FAQs

How to use "sailors" in a sentence?

You can use "sailors" to refer to people who work on ships. For example, "The "sailors" were exhausted after the storm".

What is the difference between "sailors" and "mariners"?

"Sailors" is a general term for people who work on ships, while "mariners" is a more formal and sometimes literary term. In most contexts, "sailors" and "mariners" are interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "sailors" to be more specific?

Depending on the context, you could use "navy personnel", "seafarers", or "deckhands". The best choice depends on the role and type of vessel involved. For example, "navy personnel" is best if you are talking about people enlisted in the Navy.

Is it okay to use "sailors" to refer to people on recreational boats?

Yes, "sailors" can refer to people on recreational boats, especially sailboats. However, "boaters" might be a more general term if the people use various types of boats. Using "boaters" includes motorboats, yachts, etc.