those two men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "those two men" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific pair of men that have been previously mentioned or are known in the context. Example: "I saw those two men at the park yesterday, and they seemed to be having a great time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Between those two men".

The New York Times

But why those two men?

The New York Times

Those two men — Lance Cpl.

The New York Times

Why were those two men kissing?

The Times

Those two men stayed in the north.

The New York Times

Representatives for those two men declined to comment.

The New York Times

"Those two men described and thought about their respective regions.

The New York Times

"Lizzy, look at those two men in waistcoats.

The New York Times - Magazine

Matches involving those two men typically finished in a blink.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

So much of this story revolves around those two men Saiful and Aman.

Vice

"I admire those two men," said Tila, who credits them for helping him break out of his shell.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "those two men" when referring to a specific pair of males already identified or clearly understood in the context. For a broader audience, ensure clarity by providing context or names upfront.

Common error

Avoid using "those two men" without a clear prior reference or context, as this can confuse readers. Always introduce the men or their connection before using the phrase to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those two men" functions as a demonstrative phrase, specifying a particular pair of males. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression. It usually acts as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to individuals previously mentioned or understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "those two men" is a grammatically sound and frequently used demonstrative phrase, as stated by Ludwig AI. It serves to refer to a specific pair of males already known within a given context. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for general conversation, but may require more formal alternatives in academic settings. When employing the phrase, ensure the reference is clear to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "the two gentlemen" or "the pair of men" may offer greater precision or formality depending on the writing's intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the pair of men

Emphasizes the duo aspect, suitable when highlighting their relationship or shared activity.

the two gentlemen

Replaces "men" with a more formal term, "gentlemen", suitable for professional or respectful contexts.

the aforementioned men

Connects to a previous reference of "men" within the text, clarifying which "men" are being discussed.

the two individuals

Offers a more neutral and less gender-specific term, suitable for formal or inclusive contexts.

the two individuals in question

Highlights that the "men" are subjects of discussion or investigation.

the two guys

Informal alternative. Using "guys" instead of "men".

the two figures

Emphasizes their role or presence in a specific situation or narrative.

the fellows

An informal term for "men", suitable for casual conversations.

the parties in question

A formal alternative, suitable for legal or official contexts.

the chaps

An informal British English term for "men".

FAQs

How do I use "those two men" in a sentence?

Use "those two men" when referring to a specific pair of males previously mentioned or known to the audience. For instance, "I saw "those two men" at the conference yesterday".

What are some alternatives to saying "those two men"?

You can use alternatives such as "the two gentlemen" (more formal), "the pair of men" (emphasizing their connection), or "the two guys" (more informal).

Is it appropriate to use "those two men" in formal writing?

While "those two men" is grammatically correct, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using "the two gentlemen" or "the aforementioned men" for added formality.

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

"Those two men" refers to a specific pair, already known or identified. "Both of these men" implies you're indicating two men from a larger group present or under discussion. Context determines which phrase is most appropriate.