these blokes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these blokes" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to a group of men or people in a casual manner, often in British English. Example: "I met these blokes at the pub last night, and we had a great time chatting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Love these blokes," read the caption.

Independent

These blokes know their nickel backs and their red zones.

The New York Times - Sports

You can't let these blokes see you hurt.

The Guardian - Sport

Different format, different mindset but, in case these blokes ever forget, the same game.

Independent

"With these blokes, one is as bad as another," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

If they were any more different these blokes would be playing tours on separate planets.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I saw these two blokes with their girlfriends – one of whom was this young Japanese girl who didn't speak much English.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These beefy blokes with machine guns being zombified never quite matches the fun of Rec – watching kids and the elderly getting it in the neck.

The Guardian - Film

Although notionally shocked and sorry for the victim, something in the woman's brutalised subjection excites a secret, unnamable sense of satisfaction, survival and even euphoria in these respectable blokes, which they can admit neither to themselves nor each other.

The Guardian - Film

"One Polish guy who had a hoard of cigarettes in his estate car was selling them at a premium to these business blokes so that they could then use them to bribe their way into other cars".

The Guardian

Samuel West is powerfully intelligent as Jeff (all these big blokes have diminutive names) Skilling, the ex-Harvard star who as CEO set about transforming Enron from a direct provider of electricity and gas into a market-maker in energy derivatives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context is appropriate for the use of a colloquial term like "these blokes". It is most suited for informal conversations, casual writing, or when quoting someone's direct speech.

Common error

Avoid using "these blokes" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more neutral and professional alternatives like "these individuals" or "this group of men" to maintain a respectful and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these blokes" functions primarily as a demonstrative phrase, identifying a specific group of men. It combines the demonstrative pronoun "these" with the noun "blokes" to indicate a particular set of individuals. As Ludwig highlights, the term is commonly used in informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these blokes" is a grammatically sound phrase primarily used in informal British English to refer to a group of men. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for casual conversations and writing, and less appropriate for formal contexts. While the phrase is very common in news and media, be mindful of your audience and consider using more neutral alternatives like "these men" or "these individuals" in professional settings. The phrase’s informality stems from the use of "blokes", a colloquial term for men. When in doubt, consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these guys

A more general and widely understood term for a group of men or people.

these chaps

A British English alternative, similar in register to "these blokes".

these men

A straightforward and neutral way to refer to a group of males.

these lads

A more informal British English term, often used for younger men.

these fellows

A slightly more formal or old-fashioned way to refer to a group of men.

this group of men

A more descriptive and less colloquial way to refer to a group of men.

these individuals

A more formal and neutral term for people, regardless of gender.

this bunch

Similar to "this lot", but slightly more neutral in tone.

this lot

An informal term to describe a group of people, often with a slightly negative connotation.

these people

A gender-neutral term that can be used in place of "these blokes" in some contexts.

FAQs

What does "these blokes" mean?

"These blokes" is an informal British English expression used to refer to a group of men or people in a casual or familiar way. It is similar to saying "these guys" or "these fellows".

When is it appropriate to use "these blokes"?

It's appropriate to use "these blokes" in informal settings such as casual conversations, informal writing, or when quoting someone's speech. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "these blokes"?

Alternatives to "these blokes" include "these men", "these individuals", "this group of men", or "these guys", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "these blokes" offensive?

The term "these blokes" is generally not offensive, but its appropriateness depends on the context and audience. It's best to avoid using it in situations where a more formal or respectful tone is required.