servants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "servants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who perform duties for others, often in a domestic or service capacity. Example: "The household employed several servants to manage the daily chores and maintain the estate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He announced pay cuts of about 5 percent for civil servants — and 15 percent for government ministers — as well as other measures totaling 15 billion euros.

The New York Times

An eight-month inquiry by the all party group on mindfulness found frontline public servants could be less likely to fall ill with stress, or quit altogether, if they engage in the increasingly popular meditation practice which involves increasing awareness of the present moment to help control anxiety and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The committee, which took evidence from civil servants, ministers, NGOs and Europe, criticised Britain for giving too much importance to economic development, which it too often viewed as a magic bullet in development.

The Guardian

They do not have to rely upon civil servants or intermediaries to pass on their views".

The Guardian

"For us the idea of a Jesuit pope is very strange," he said, explaining that historically the Jesuits had considered themselves "servants, not authorities, in church".

The Guardian

With or without him, a summer of upheaval beckons, but this was a farewell best forgotten for some valiant servants.

The Guardian - Sport

All three were respectable efforts with fun to be had by reader and pasticheur alike – though for a more illuminating angle on Austen, turn to Jo Baker's Longbourn, which cunningly retells Pride and Prejudice from the servants' perspective.

The Guardian - Books

"You are the boss, we are your servants," Clegg said, as if borrowing dialogue from Fifty Shades.

The Guardian

A list of "very, highly or extremely controversial" potential cuts to benefits have been drawn up by civil servants in response to warnings that the next government would struggle to keep welfare spending below a legal cap of about £120bn a year.

The Guardian

Gordon Brown ordered the document to be drawn up in the months before the 2010 poll as civil servants turned their attentions to how to respond if a coalition had to be formed.

The Guardian

The leaked documents were prepared by civil servants and commissioned by Conservative party officials, the BBC said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "servants", consider the historical and social context. In modern usage, more neutral terms like "staff" or "employees" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "servants" in contexts where it might sound archaic or demeaning. Opt for more modern and respectful terms like "staff", "team members", or "employees" unless specifically referring to a historical or fictional setting.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "servants" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple individuals who perform duties for others, often in a domestic or subordinate role. This is supported by Ludwig examples showcasing its use in describing household staff and civil functionaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "servants" functions as a plural noun, denoting individuals performing duties for others. While grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media, it's crucial to consider the context. Ludwig AI indicates that in modern settings, more neutral alternatives like "staff" or "employees" may be more appropriate. The term carries historical weight and can sometimes sound archaic or demeaning. Therefore, careful consideration of the social context is essential when using "servants".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domestic staff

Refers specifically to individuals employed within a household to perform various duties.

household employees

Emphasizes the employer-employee relationship within a domestic setting.

attendants

Suggests individuals who are present to provide assistance or care.

retainers

Implies a long-term or contractual relationship where individuals are kept in service.

subordinates

Highlights a hierarchical relationship where individuals are under the authority of another.

assistants

Indicates individuals who provide help or support to someone.

employees

A general term for individuals who work for an organization or person.

staff members

Refers to individuals who are part of a team or organization.

helpers

A broad term for individuals who provide assistance.

personnel

A collective term for the individuals working in an organization.

FAQs

How can I use "servants" in a sentence?

You can use "servants" to refer to people employed to perform domestic tasks. For example, "The wealthy family employed several "servants" to maintain their estate".

What's the difference between "servants" and "employees"?

"Servants" typically implies a domestic or personal service role, often with historical connotations of subservience. "Employees" is a more general and modern term for people who work for a company or organization in various roles.

What can I say instead of "servants"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "servants" include "staff", "employees", "domestic workers", or "household staff".

Is it offensive to use the word "servants"?

While not inherently offensive, "servants" can sound outdated and may carry negative connotations in modern contexts. Using more neutral terms such as "staff" or "employees" is generally preferred, particularly when referring to contemporary situations.