these gentlemen

USAGE SUMMARY

"these gentlemen" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when referring to a group of men. For example, "These gentlemen have kindly offered to lend a helping hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I know these gentlemen.

Independent

"These gentlemen have been very kind".

The New York Times

These gentlemen drink tea with sugar.

The Guardian

These gentlemen are both great players.

The New Yorker

I think these gentlemen have earned a round of applause".

The New Yorker

"We'll wait for these gentlemen to finish," he said evenly.

The New Yorker

These gentlemen did not think this was a fair requirement.

The Guardian

Turning to the audience, he said, "I think these gentlemen have earned a round of applause".

The New Yorker

These gentlemen will more than fill you in on the piece, the performance, and its particulars.

The New Yorker

"These gentlemen are more or less advisers," he said Monday on CNN.

The New York Times - Sports

"These gentlemen saw the opportunity to make a niche out of it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these gentlemen" in contexts where a degree of formality or respect is desired, such as formal speeches, written correspondence, or when addressing a group of men you wish to honor.

Common error

Avoid using "these gentlemen" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly stilted or pretentious. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "these guys" or "these men" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these gentlemen" functions as a plural demonstrative pronoun plus a noun. It serves to specifically identify a group of men, often with a connotation of respect or formality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these gentlemen" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to refer to a group of men, usually in a polite or formal context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news and media sources. While it conveys respect, be mindful of the setting, as it can sound overly formal in casual situations. Alternatives like "these men" or "these guys" may be more appropriate in informal settings. The source quality is generally high, reflecting its use in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these men

Neutral and direct alternative, omitting the formality of "gentlemen".

these fellows

More informal and colloquial, suitable for less formal contexts.

these individuals

Highly formal and impersonal, emphasizing the distinctness of each person.

these chaps

British English equivalent, carrying a slightly old-fashioned connotation.

these guys

Informal and gendered (typically male) alternative, common in casual settings.

these esteemed colleagues

Formal and respectful, suitable for professional environments.

these honorable men

Emphasizes respect and integrity, often used in ceremonial or legal contexts.

these distinguished figures

Highlights the importance or status of the men being referred to.

the aforementioned gentlemen

Refers back to men previously mentioned, useful for formal writing.

these fine men

Expresses approval or admiration, adding a subjective assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "these gentlemen" in a sentence?

"These gentlemen" is used to politely refer to a group of men. For example: "These gentlemen will be presenting the awards tonight."

What's a more casual alternative to "these gentlemen"?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases like "these guys" or "these men".

When is it appropriate to use "these gentlemen"?

It is appropriate in formal settings, such as business meetings, official events, or when you want to show respect. In informal settings, other options are preferable.

Is there a British English equivalent to "these gentlemen"?

A British English equivalent could be "these chaps", although it can sound somewhat old-fashioned.