What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gentlemen
Example
The gentlemen at the party were all dressed in suits and ties. [gentlemen: noun]
Example
Excuse me, gentlemen, may I have your attention please? [gentlemen: plural noun]
Example
He always opens doors for ladies and is a true gentleman. [gentleman: singular noun]
man
Example
He is a tall man with brown hair and blue eyes. [man: noun]
Example
She identifies as a transgender man. [man: noun]
Example
He works as a construction man and builds houses. [man: suffix]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Man is a more common word than gentlemen in everyday language, as it is a versatile and widely used term. Gentlemen is less common and is typically reserved for more formal or specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gentlemen and man?
Gentlemen is generally considered more formal than man, as it has a historical and cultural association with nobility, chivalry, and social status. However, man can also be used in formal settings, depending on the context and tone of the conversation.
