these lads

USAGE SUMMARY

"these lads" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of young men. For example, "These lads have been getting into trouble since they were small and their parents have had enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These lads had style.

The Guardian - Books

But not these lads.

The Guardian - Sport

These lads are not going out.

The New York Times - Sports

These lads are not on big salaries.

The Guardian - Sport

That is still beyond these lads.

The New York Times - Sports

We really enjoy playing these lads.

The Guardian

Do these lads remind you of anyone?

The New York Times

I do know these lads, after all.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not yet 11am but these lads are already tipsy.

The Guardian - Travel

They need a Merlin these lads but lack the resources.

The Guardian - Sport

These lads are the tip of the iceberg.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these lads" when referring to a group of young men, especially in informal contexts or when a friendly, familiar tone is desired. It is appropriate in sports commentary, casual conversation, and descriptive writing.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, "these lads" may sound out of place in highly formal or professional environments. Opt for more neutral or formal alternatives like "these young men" or "these individuals" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these lads" functions as a demonstrative phrase identifying a specific group of young men. It serves to highlight or refer to this group within a sentence, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples where it precedes verbs describing their actions or qualities. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these lads" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly within British English, to refer to a group of young men. While versatile, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is most appropriate in informal and neutral registers, such as sports commentary, casual conversation, and less formal news reporting. For highly formal settings, alternatives like "these young men" or "these individuals" are more suitable. The phrase is common in News & Media and Sports contexts, as shown by Ludwig examples, offering a familiar and sometimes affectionate way to address or describe a group of young men.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these blokes

Another British English alternative, similar in meaning and informality to "lads".

these guys

A common and informal alternative, widely used in American English.

these chaps

A British English alternative, somewhat more formal than "lads".

these young men

A neutral alternative, suitable for most contexts.

these fellows

A slightly more formal and old-fashioned alternative.

this team

Suitable when referring to a sports team or a group working together.

these boys

Acceptable if the group is young. However be careful, could sound condescending if the group is made of grown-ups.

this group of young men

A more descriptive and formal alternative.

this lot

An informal and slightly dismissive alternative, mainly British.

these individuals

A very formal and detached alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "these lads" to refer to a group of young men in a casual or friendly way. For example, "These lads are doing a great job", or "I'm proud of "these lads" and their accomplishments".

What's a more formal alternative to "these lads"?

If you're in a formal setting, consider using alternatives like "these young men" or "these individuals". These options maintain a respectful tone suitable for professional or academic environments.

Is "these lads" appropriate for all English-speaking regions?

While "these lads" is widely understood, it's more commonly used in British English. In American English, "these guys" might be a more natural-sounding alternative.

Can "these lads" be used to refer to older men?

Generally, "these lads" is used to refer to younger men or those perceived as youthful. Using it for older men might sound ironic or condescending, so it's best to reserve it for younger groups.