sirs

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sirs' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to two or more men as a polite form of address, for example "Sirs, thank you for your help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Another example is "Sirs", used to mean "schoolteachers", even for women in, say, primary schools.

The Guardian

The committee chairman, Sir Richard Ottaway – there were a lot of sirs in the room and at one point we had two Sir Johns and a John Baron, who isn't actually a baron, talking to one another – eventually interceded.

The Guardian

He will no doubt also watch keenly the generals' reaction.In this section Central Europe's sulky conscripts Mayhem in Moscow Jean-Pierre Chevènement, French republican Bombs, and more bombs Germany's new word disorder No, sirs ReprintsThe decree was part of the generals' continuing campaign against the Islamists they see as Turkey's most dangerous enemies.

The Economist

Sirs,Your article "An American Epidemic" incorrectly identifies genetics as the cause of type 1 diabetes.

The Economist

Hon Jack Straw MP Sir Mark Allen CMG   28 February 2013   Dear Sirs As you know, in March 2004 my pregnant wife and I were kidnapped in Bangkok, tortured in a secret CIA site, and flown on a CIA jet to Muammar Gaddafi.

Independent

We sup from it every now and then as we get shouted and screamed at and are made to do our push-ups and "yes sirs" and "no sirs".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mr Goodwin joins a list of ex-Sirs that includes Anthony Blunt, a Soviet spy, and Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe.Mr Goodwin's replacement, Stephen Hester, has also faced opprobrium after the company's board agreed to pay him a bonus worth £963,000 ($1.53m).

The Economist

Waiters stand along the perimeter, as solemn as tennis ball boys, before dashing hither and thither to perform solicitous acts and utter hushed the-pleasure-is-all-mine-sirs and think-nothing-of-it-ma'ams.

The New Yorker

There will be a lot of polite handshaking and yes-sirs.

The New York Times - Sports

Stefan Russwurm, founder of SIRS-Lab, a diagnostics firm, says the experience of radical change when the Wall came down played a big part in his decision to start his company: "Otherwise I would not have had the flexibility.

The Economist

To The Rt Hon David Cameronn, MP, Prime  Minister; The Rt Hon Ed Miliband, MP, Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition;  The Rt Hon Nick Clegg, MP, Deputy Prime Minister Dear Sirs, The National Health Service has provided world class care, free at the point of use, to the British people for 66 years.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a formal audience, especially in writing, using "sirs" demonstrates respect and professionalism. Ensure the context is appropriate, as it may sound overly formal in casual settings.

Common error

Avoid using "sirs" in informal settings or when addressing mixed-gender groups. It can sound stilted or exclusionary. Opt for gender-neutral alternatives like "everyone" or "colleagues" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sirs" is as a plural noun of address. It is used to politely and formally address a group of men. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sirs" serves as a formal and respectful way to address a group of men, primarily in written or spoken communication within professional or formal settings. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, but its appropriateness depends heavily on the context. While highly regarded in formal and business environments, its use should be avoided in casual or mixed-gender situations where alternatives like "gentlemen" or gender-neutral terms are more suitable. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gentlemen

A formal and polite term of address for a group of men.

Dear sirs

A common opening for formal letters or emails.

Esteemed sirs

Adds a higher level of respect and formality.

Honorable sirs

Used in very formal or official contexts.

Messieurs

The French equivalent of "sirs", used in French-speaking contexts or to add a touch of sophistication.

Good sirs

An old-fashioned, somewhat theatrical way of addressing men.

Ladies and gentlemen

Includes both men and women in the address.

Members

A neutral term for addressing a group, often in a professional setting.

Colleagues

Used to address a group of male coworkers.

Friends

A more informal and friendly term of address.

FAQs

How do I use "sirs" in a sentence?

"Sirs" is typically used as a formal address at the beginning of a sentence, such as in a letter or formal speech. For example, "Sirs, we appreciate your attention to this matter."

When is it appropriate to use "sirs"?

Use "sirs" when addressing a group of men in a formal setting, such as in business correspondence or official meetings. It's generally not appropriate for casual conversations or mixed-gender groups.

What can I say instead of "sirs"?

Alternatives to "sirs" include "gentlemen" for formal settings, or more neutral terms like "colleagues" or "everyone" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "sirs" when addressing a mixed-gender group?

No, "sirs" is specifically for addressing groups of men. For mixed-gender groups, use "ladies and gentlemen" or a gender-neutral term like "everyone" or "esteemed guests".