these two men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these two men" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific pair of men previously mentioned or identified in the context. Example: "These two men were instrumental in the success of the project, and their contributions cannot be overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These two men cannot stand each other".

The New Yorker

These two men epitomize the new generation of American farmer.

The Guardian

These two men are titans of post-war theatre.

The Guardian

These two men are, quite simply, in hell.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

How do you think History will remember these two men?

The New Yorker

There is an important connection between these two men.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even their common Viennese origin set these two men apart.

The New York Times - Books

These two men had fed birds, including pine siskins.

The New Yorker

"There's a lot of respect between these two men".

The New York Times

Pantheon has not clarified the relationship between these two men.

The Guardian - Money

These two men must have had a connection from before".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using "the two individuals" instead of "these two men" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "these two men" without clearly establishing who you are referring to earlier in your writing. Ensure there is no confusion about their identities.

Linguistic Context

These two men functions as a demonstrative phrase, specifically identifying a pair of male individuals. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The demonstrative "these" indicates that the individuals are known or have been previously mentioned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "these two men" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to refer to a specific pair of males, primarily in news and media contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a demonstrative phrase, highlighting individuals known or previously mentioned. While maintaining a generally neutral register, it's essential to ensure clarity in reference and avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context. Alternatives like "the two individuals" or "both men" can be considered depending on the desired tone and formality. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those two men

Indicates a slightly greater distance or separation from the speakers current context.

both men

Shorter and more direct way to refer to the two men.

the aforementioned men

Emphasizes that the men were previously mentioned, adding a formal tone.

the two individuals

More formal and neutral, replacing "men" with "individuals".

the said men

A legal or formal construction, emphasizing a previous statement or document.

the pair of men in question

Highlights that the men are being specifically discussed or investigated.

the two gentlemen

More polite and formal than "men".

these two fellows

A slightly archaic but still usable synonym for "men".

the two guys

Informal alternative to "men".

the two males

A biological term, less commonly used in general conversation.

FAQs

How to use "these two men" in a sentence?

"These two men" is used to refer to a specific pair of males that have been previously identified or are clear from the context. For example, "These two men were instrumental in the project's success".

What can I say instead of "these two men"?

Alternatives include "the two individuals", "the aforementioned men", or "both men", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "These two men"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "These two men", as long as the context clearly indicates who is being referred to. For instance, "These two men champion ideologies that purport to be a rejection of elitism".

What's the difference between "these two men" and "those two men"?

"These two men" generally refers to men who are closer in proximity (either physically or in terms of the discussion) to the speaker, while "those two men" refers to men who are more distant or less immediately relevant.