very gentlemen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very gentlemen" is not correct in English and does not convey a clear meaning.
It is not usable in written English as it combines an adverb with a noun inappropriately. An example of a correct usage might be "He is a very gentlemanly person," which conveys the intended meaning more clearly.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I think the British people are very gentlemen, very smart.

The Guardian

As Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming said at the weekend, "The British people are very gentlemen, very smart.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Decidedly, I think, a very gentleman-like man".

The Guardian - Books

"We are two very impressive gentlemen, aren't we?" he said to the dog.

The New Yorker

In Howard Hawks's gorgeous and very witty Gentlemen Prefer Blondes she had done immaculate routines with Marilyn Monroe.

The Guardian - Film

"The interrogators were two very young gentlemen, in shirts and red braces like cops from a US TV series.

The Guardian - Opinion

By R. Pitts and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, February 25 , 1939P. 9 Up at Columbia a young poet gave a reading to an audience whixh included two very old gentlemen.

The New Yorker

'We are going to see this very nice gentlemen who runs an organisation offering advice to the ethnic community and after that we are going to an event at the town hall called "Luton In Harmony".

Independent

And while that trend continues because it takes very rich gentlemen, indeed, to buy a slice of England's soccer heritage, Hull's story has a similarity to Fulham's.

The New York Times - Sports

(Seated just one row ahead of me were two very large gentlemen whose names I did not know, but whose faces looked very familiar. Maybe one of them played Johnny Roastbeef).

The Guardian - Film

Serchuk: Well, thank you very much, gentlemen, for showing up, and it was a great discussion.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "very gentlemen", opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "very gentlemanly" or "very polite men" to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "very" directly before a noun like "gentlemen". "Very" modifies adjectives or adverbs. To describe men with gentlemanly qualities, use "very gentlemanly" or a similar adjective phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very gentlemen" attempts to function as a descriptive term, aiming to highlight the qualities associated with gentlemen. However, it is grammatically flawed. As Ludwig AI points out, it incorrectly uses the adverb "very" before the noun "gentlemen".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intention behind "very gentlemen" is to describe individuals with gentlemanly qualities, it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this, suggesting that the phrase misuses the adverb "very" before a noun. Better alternatives include "very gentlemanly", "extremely polite men", or similar adjective phrases. Although examples can be found in news media, adhering to correct grammar ensures clarity and credibility in writing. To effectively convey the intended meaning, writers should opt for grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very gentlemanly

Adjective form replaces noun to correctly describe someone possessing qualities of a gentleman.

extremely polite men

Replaces "gentlemen" with "men" and uses "polite" with an intensifier, focusing on courteous behavior.

very well-mannered men

Focuses on etiquette and social graces as a key aspect of being a gentleman.

exceptionally refined men

Emphasizes sophistication and good taste instead of traditional gentlemanly qualities.

remarkably courteous

Shift from noun to adjective phrase describing overall behavior.

very gracious men

Highlights their courteousness and kindness.

highly cultured men

Highlights the education and appreciation for arts and humanities often associated with gentlemen.

incredibly chivalrous

Highlights the aspect of gallantry and protection often associated with gentlemen.

exceedingly urbane men

Focuses on sophistication and polish.

particularly sophisticated men

Emphasizes their refined taste and knowledge.

FAQs

What is the correct way to describe someone with gentlemanly qualities?

Instead of the grammatically incorrect "very gentlemen", use phrases like "very gentlemanly", "exceptionally refined", or "highly cultured" to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Is "very gentlemen" grammatically correct?

No, "very gentlemen" is not grammatically correct. "Very" is an adverb that modifies adjectives or adverbs, not nouns. The proper construction requires an adjective like "gentlemanly".

What are some alternative phrases to "very gentlemen" that emphasize politeness?

You can use phrases like "very polite men", "remarkably courteous", or "very gracious men" to highlight the politeness and good manners associated with the concept of gentlemen.

How can I use "gentlemanly" correctly in a sentence?

Use "gentlemanly" as an adjective to describe someone's behavior or qualities. For example, "He displayed "gentlemanly conduct"" or "He has a "very gentlemanly manner"".