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A1 noun #18 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

brothers

Top 18

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces brothers en 30 secondes

Explication brothers in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'brothers' is one of the first family words you learn. It simply means more than one boy or man who has the same parents as you. You use it to talk about your family. For example, 'I have two brothers.' It is important to remember that 'brothers' is plural. If you have only one, you say 'brother'. You will often hear this word when people introduce their family members. It is a very common and easy word to use in basic conversations about who you live with or how many people are in your family.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'brothers' in more descriptive sentences. You might talk about their ages or what they do. 'My brothers are older than me,' or 'My brothers go to school.' You also learn about 'brothers-in-law' (the brothers of your husband or wife). You begin to understand that 'brothers' can also be used for half-brothers and step-brothers. You should be careful with the plural 's' and make sure your verbs match, like 'My brothers like football' instead of 'likes'.

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At the B1 level, you can use 'brothers' to describe more complex relationships and feelings. You might talk about the relationship between brothers, such as 'The brothers get along very well.' You also start to see the word used in stories or news to describe famous groups, like the 'Wright brothers'. You understand that 'brothers' can sometimes mean very close friends, especially in informal English. You are also more comfortable with possessive forms like 'my brothers' house' (the house they share).

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At the B2 level, you recognize the metaphorical use of 'brothers' in social and political contexts. You understand terms like 'brothers in arms' or 'the brotherhood of man'. You can discuss the nuances of fraternal bonds in literature or film. You are aware of the formal plural 'brethren' and when it might be used. You can use the word in more abstract discussions about solidarity, equality, and social groups. Your grammar is precise, correctly using 'brothers-in-law' and complex possessive structures.

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At the C1 level, you use 'brothers' with a deep understanding of its cultural and historical weight. You can analyze how the concept of 'brothers' is used in rhetoric to create a sense of unity or exclusion. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use them naturally in conversation. You understand the sociological implications of 'brotherhood' in different cultures. You can write sophisticated essays comparing biological kinship with social brotherhood, using a wide range of synonyms and related vocabulary.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word 'brothers' and all its connotations. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as legal discussions about 'brothers of the half-blood' or theological debates involving 'brethren'. You understand the etymological roots and how they influence modern usage. You can appreciate and use the word in high-level literary analysis, exploring themes of fratricide, fraternal rivalry, and the evolution of the term in various English dialects and historical periods.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

brothers en 30 secondes

Brothers refers to multiple male siblings sharing parents or legal family ties, representing a core familial relationship in almost every human culture.
The term extends metaphorically to describe men in religious orders, military units, or close-knit social groups who share deep bonds of loyalty.
Grammatically, it is the plural of 'brother' and requires plural verb agreement and specific apostrophe placement for possessive forms in English.
It is a versatile word used in formal, informal, and professional contexts to signify solidarity, shared history, and mutual support among males.

The word brothers is a fundamental noun in the English language, primarily used to describe male siblings. At its most basic level, it refers to two or more males who share the same biological parents. However, the scope of the word extends far beyond simple genetics. In modern English, we use this term to define a variety of familial and social relationships that mirror the bond of siblinghood. For instance, half-brothers share one biological parent, while step-brothers are related through the marriage of their parents but do not share a biological link. Despite these technical distinctions, in daily conversation, the word is often used inclusively to cover all these variations.

Biological Siblings: Males born to the same mother and father, sharing approximately fifty percent of their DNA and typically growing up in the same household environment.

Beyond the family unit, the term takes on a metaphorical and communal meaning. It is frequently used within religious contexts, such as in Christianity or Buddhism, to refer to fellow male members of a faith community or a monastic order. In these settings, being 'brothers' implies a shared spiritual path and a commitment to mutual support.

The monks lived together as brothers, sharing their meals and their prayers in silence.

Furthermore, the word is deeply embedded in social and political movements. The concept of 'brotherhood' suggests a bond of solidarity among men who share a common cause, profession, or experience. Soldiers often refer to their comrades as brothers because of the intense, life-threatening situations they face together. This usage emphasizes loyalty, protection, and an unbreakable emotional connection that transcends blood relations. In informal settings, particularly in various dialects and subcultures, 'brother' or its shortened form 'bro' is used as a friendly term of address between men who may not be related at all. This signifies a level of trust and camaraderie.

Fraternal Organizations: Groups like college fraternities or trade unions often use the term to emphasize the equality and unity of their male members.

They were brothers in arms, having served in the same unit for over a decade.

My two brothers are coming over for dinner this Sunday evening.

The Wright brothers are famous for inventing the first successful airplane.

He treats all his teammates like brothers, always looking out for their well-being.

Metaphorical Bond: A deep, non-biological connection between men based on shared values, history, or intense mutual respect.

In summary, while the core definition of brothers is rooted in family, its application spans the entirety of human social interaction, representing one of the strongest bonds of loyalty and affection known in society.

Using the word brothers correctly involves understanding its role as a plural count noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence. For example, in the sentence 'My brothers live in London,' the word 'brothers' is the subject performing the action of living. In 'I visited my brothers,' it is the direct object receiving the action.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Because 'brothers' is plural, it must be paired with plural verb forms. Say 'My brothers are,' not 'My brothers is.'

Possessive forms are a common area of confusion. If you are talking about something belonging to more than one brother, the apostrophe goes after the 's'.

The brothers' shared bedroom was always a mess when they were children.

If you are referring to a single brother's possession, the apostrophe goes before the 's'.

My brother's car is parked outside the house right now.

Adjectives often modify 'brothers' to provide more specific information about the relationship. Common modifiers include 'older', 'younger', 'big', 'little', 'twin', 'biological', and 'estranged'.

Common Modifiers: 'Older brothers' refers to those born before you; 'twin brothers' refers to those born at the same time as each other.

In complex sentences, 'brothers' can be part of prepositional phrases, such as 'between the brothers' or 'among the brothers'.

The inheritance was divided equally among the four brothers.

In more formal or literary writing, you might encounter 'brothers' used to address a group.

'My brothers, we must stand together in this time of great difficulty,' the leader proclaimed.

Compound Nouns: 'Brothers-in-law' is the correct plural for men married to your siblings or the brothers of your spouse. Note that the 's' is attached to 'brothers', not 'law'.

He has three brothers-in-law from his wife's side of the family.

Whether you are describing a simple family tree or a complex social dynamic, the word 'brothers' provides a clear and powerful way to denote male connection and plural identity.

The word brothers is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in various contexts from the most intimate to the highly public. In the domestic sphere, it is one of the first words children learn as they navigate their family relationships. You will hear it in parents' instructions ('Play nicely with your brothers') and in children's stories.

Family Dynamics: In household settings, 'brothers' is used to define the boundaries and bonds between male children.

In the world of entertainment and pop culture, 'brothers' is a frequent theme. Think of famous groups like the 'Jonas Brothers' or the 'Everly Brothers', where the biological connection is a key part of their brand. In movies and literature, the 'brother' dynamic is a classic trope, often exploring themes of rivalry, loyalty, and sacrifice.

The film 'Saving Private Ryan' tells the story of a search for the last surviving member of four brothers.

Religious institutions are another place where 'brothers' is heard constantly. In a Catholic monastery, the monks address each other as 'Brother [Name]'. In many Protestant churches, the congregation may be addressed as 'brothers and sisters in Christ'. This usage fosters a sense of universal family and shared spiritual heritage. In the professional and athletic world, the word signifies teamwork. Coaches might tell their players, 'You are brothers on this field,' to encourage them to protect and support one another. Similarly, in labor unions, members often refer to each other as 'brothers' to emphasize their collective strength against management.

Professional Solidarity: Used in unions and guilds to signify that all members are equal and bound by a common economic interest.

The trade union brothers voted unanimously to go on strike for better wages.

You will also find the word in historical contexts, such as the 'French Revolution's' motto: 'Liberté, égalité, fraternité' (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity/Brotherhood). This highlights the word's role in political philosophy as a symbol of social cohesion.

The brothers Grimm collected and published some of the world's most famous folk tales.

In the video game world, the 'Mario Brothers' are perhaps the most iconic duo in history.

Historical Context: Famous historical figures often come in pairs or groups of brothers, such as the Kennedy brothers or the Wright brothers.

From the playground to the pulpit, 'brothers' is a word that resonates with the deep human need for connection and belonging.

Even though brothers is a basic word, there are several common pitfalls that learners and even native speakers encounter. One of the most frequent errors involves the pluralization of compound nouns. Many people mistakenly say 'brother-in-laws' when the correct form is 'brothers-in-law'. The logic here is that the 'brother' is the part being pluralized, not the 'law'.

Compound Plurals: Always pluralize the principal noun. Correct: 'brothers-in-law'. Incorrect: 'brother-in-laws'.

Another common mistake is confusing 'brothers' with 'siblings'. While all brothers are siblings, not all siblings are brothers. If a group of children includes both boys and girls, you should use the word 'siblings' or 'brothers and sisters'. Using 'brothers' to refer to a mixed-gender group is technically incorrect in modern English, although in some older or more patriarchal contexts, 'brothers' was used as a generic term for all people.

Incorrect: I have three brothers (when one is actually a sister). Correct: I have three siblings.

Punctuation with possessives is another major hurdle. As mentioned before, the difference between 'my brother's' (one brother) and 'my brothers'' (multiple brothers) is just a single apostrophe placement, but it completely changes the meaning.

Possessive Confusion: 'My brothers' toys' (toys belonging to multiple brothers) vs. 'My brother's toys' (toys belonging to one brother).

There is also the issue of 'half-brothers' vs 'step-brothers'. A half-brother shares one biological parent with you, while a step-brother shares none but is related through marriage. Confusing these can sometimes be sensitive in family discussions.

They aren't biological brothers; they are step-brothers who met when they were ten.

Finally, be careful with the slang term 'bros'. While it is a plural of 'bro', it is very informal and should never be used in professional writing or formal academic contexts.

The brothers decided to start a business together after graduating.

Gender Sensitivity: Avoid using 'brothers' when you mean a group of people of various genders. Use 'colleagues', 'friends', or 'members' instead.

By paying attention to these nuances, you can avoid common errors and use the word with precision.

When you want to describe a relationship similar to that of brothers, or when you want to avoid repeating the word, there are several alternatives depending on the context. The most direct alternative is 'siblings', which is a gender-neutral term for brothers and sisters. This is particularly useful in academic or medical contexts where gender is irrelevant.

Siblings: A formal, collective term for all children of the same parents, regardless of gender.

In a more formal or literary sense, you might use 'kin' or 'kinsmen'. These words refer to relatives in general but can specifically mean brothers in certain contexts. 'Fraternity' is the noun form of the concept of being brothers, often used to describe a group or the feeling of brotherhood itself.

There was a strong sense of fraternity among the brothers in the guild.

For metaphorical brothers, words like 'comrades', 'associates', 'partners', or 'fellows' are appropriate. 'Comrades' is often used in military or political contexts to show a deep, shared struggle. 'Fellows' is common in academic or professional settings, such as 'fellow researchers'. In religious contexts, 'brethren' is the traditional plural, though it is mostly found in scripture or formal liturgy today.

Brethren: An archaic plural of brother, now used almost exclusively in religious or highly formal organizational contexts.

The brothers were also business partners, which sometimes caused tension at home.

He viewed his closest friends as his brothers, trusting them with his deepest secrets.

If you are looking for a more casual way to refer to brothers, 'the boys' is a common colloquialism used by parents or friends.

Comparison Table: - Brothers: Emotional/Biological (Strong) - Siblings: Technical/Gender-neutral (Neutral) - Comrades: Shared struggle (Strong) - Peers: Same age/status (Neutral)

Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the word that best fits the tone and precision of your communication.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The word is so old that it is almost identical in many languages: 'bruder' in German, 'broeder' in Dutch, and 'frater' in Latin (which gives us 'fraternal').

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈbrʌð.əz/

US /ˈbrʌð.ɚz/

The stress is on the first syllable: BRUTH-ers.

Rime avec

Mothers Others Smothers Covers Lovers Discovers Recovers Uncovers

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'th' as a 'd' (brudders).
Pronouncing the 'th' as a 'z' (bruzzers).
Forgetting the 's' at the end when referring to more than one.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.
Using a long 'oo' sound instead of the short 'uh'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a high-frequency family word.

Écriture 2/5

Slightly harder due to the 'th' spelling and possessive apostrophe rules.

Expression orale 2/5

The 'th' sound can be difficult for speakers of certain languages.

Écoute 1/5

Easy to distinguish in clear speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Boy Man Family Father Mother

Apprends ensuite

Sisters Siblings Cousins Uncles Aunts

Avancé

Fraternal Brotherhood Consanguinity Kinship Brethren

Grammaire à connaître

Plural Nouns

One brother, two brothers.

Possessive Apostrophes

The brothers' room (plural possessive).

Subject-Verb Agreement

My brothers are (not is) here.

Compound Noun Plurals

Brothers-in-law (not brother-in-laws).

Collective Nouns

A band of brothers (singular group, plural members).

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Exemples par niveau

I have two brothers.

J'ai deux frères.

Plural noun 'brothers' follows the number 'two'.

My brothers are tall.

Mes frères sont grands.

The verb 'are' matches the plural subject 'brothers'.

Are they your brothers?

Sont-ils tes frères ?

Question form using 'are' for plural.

He plays with his brothers.

Il joue avec ses frères.

Possessive adjective 'his' refers to the subject 'he'.

My brothers live in London.

Mes frères habitent à Londres.

Present simple plural verb 'live'.

The brothers share a room.

Les frères partagent une chambre.

Definite article 'the' specifies which brothers.

I like my brothers.

J'aime mes frères.

Direct object 'brothers' after the verb 'like'.

Where are your brothers?

Où sont tes frères ?

Question word 'where' followed by plural 'are'.

My brothers are both older than me.

Mes frères sont tous les deux plus âgés que moi.

Use of 'both' to refer to two brothers.

He has three brothers-in-law.

Il a trois beaux-frères.

Correct pluralization of 'brothers-in-law'.

The brothers went to the same school.

Les frères sont allés à la même école.

Past tense 'went' with plural subject.

My brothers' names are Tom and Sam.

Les noms de mes frères sont Tom et Sam.

Plural possessive 'brothers''.

I am the youngest of four brothers.

Je suis le plus jeune de quatre frères.

Superlative 'youngest' used in a group.

Do your brothers like pizza?

Est-ce que tes frères aiment la pizza ?

Auxiliary 'do' for plural questions.

My brothers and I often go swimming.

Mes frères et moi allons souvent nager.

Subject phrase 'My brothers and I'.

His brothers work in a bank.

Ses frères travaillent dans une banque.

Plural verb 'work' without 's'.

The brothers decided to start a company.

Les frères ont décidé de créer une entreprise.

Collective decision making.

It is hard to tell the twin brothers apart.

Il est difficile de distinguer les frères jumeaux.

Adjective 'twin' modifying 'brothers'.

The brothers fought, but they soon made up.

Les frères se sont battus, mais ils se sont vite réconciliés.

Reflexive relationship implied.

He treats his friends like they are his brothers.

Il traite ses amis comme s'ils étaient ses frères.

Simile using 'like'.

The brothers' success was celebrated by everyone.

Le succès des frères a été célébré par tout le monde.

Possessive 'brothers'' modifying 'success'.

Are your brothers coming to the wedding?

Tes frères viennent-ils au mariage ?

Present continuous for future plans.

The brothers inherited the farm from their father.

Les frères ont hérité de la ferme de leur père.

Verb 'inherited' with plural subject.

I haven't seen my brothers for three years.

Je n'ai pas vu mes frères depuis trois ans.

Present perfect with 'for' duration.

The brothers were united by a common goal.

Les frères étaient unis par un but commun.

Passive voice 'were united'.

They were brothers in arms during the war.

Ils étaient frères d'armes pendant la guerre.

Idiomatic expression 'brothers in arms'.

The rivalry between the brothers was legendary.

La rivalité entre les frères était légendaire.

Noun 'rivalry' followed by 'between'.

The brothers' bond was tested by the crisis.

Le lien entre les frères a été mis à l'épreuve par la crise.

Abstract noun 'bond' possessed by 'brothers'.

He spoke of his colleagues as his brothers.

Il parlait de ses collègues comme de ses frères.

Metaphorical usage.

The brothers' contributions to science are immense.

Les contributions des frères à la science sont immenses.

Plural possessive with plural noun.

The brothers-in-law often go fishing together.

Les beaux-frères vont souvent à la pêche ensemble.

Plural compound noun.

Despite their differences, they remained brothers.

Malgré leurs différences, ils sont restés frères.

Concessive clause with 'despite'.

The brothers' collective ambition drove the project.

L'ambition collective des frères a porté le projet.

Complex noun phrase.

They were more than friends; they were brothers.

Ils étaient plus que des amis ; ils étaient des frères.

Emphatic use of 'brothers'.

The narrative explores the theme of estranged brothers.

Le récit explore le thème des frères séparés.

Adjective 'estranged' modifying 'brothers'.

The brothers' legacy continues to influence the industry.

L'héritage des frères continue d'influencer l'industrie.

Possessive legacy.

The treaty was signed by the three royal brothers.

Le traité a été signé par les trois frères royaux.

Adjective 'royal' modifying 'brothers'.

The brothers' disparate paths eventually crossed again.

Les chemins disparates des frères se sont finalement croisés à nouveau.

Adjective 'disparate' for contrast.

The bond of brothers is a central motif in the play.

Le lien entre frères est un motif central de la pièce.

Prepositional phrase 'of brothers'.

The brothers' mutual respect was evident to all.

Le respect mutuel des frères était évident pour tous.

Adjective 'mutual' modifying 'respect'.

The fraternal bond between the brothers was indissoluble.

Le lien fraternel entre les frères était indissoluble.

High-level vocabulary 'indissoluble'.

The brothers' divergent ideologies led to a rift.

Les idéologies divergentes des frères ont conduit à une rupture.

Abstract nouns 'divergent ideologies'.

The brothers' synergy was the catalyst for innovation.

La synergie des frères a été le catalyseur de l'innovation.

Scientific metaphor 'catalyst'.

The brothers' shared trauma forged a resilient connection.

Le traumatisme partagé des frères a forgé un lien résilient.

Psychological terminology.

The brothers' clandestine activities were finally revealed.

Les activités clandestines des frères ont finalement été révélées.

Adjective 'clandestine'.

The brothers' respective careers flourished in different fields.

Les carrières respectives des frères ont prospéré dans des domaines différents.

Adjective 'respective' for individual paths.

The brothers' inherent loyalty was their greatest strength.

La loyauté inhérente des frères était leur plus grande force.

Adjective 'inherent'.

The brothers' poignant reunion moved the audience to tears.

Les retrouvailles poignantes des frères ont ému le public aux larmes.

Adjective 'poignant'.

Collocations courantes

Older brothers

Younger brothers

Twin brothers

Brothers in arms

Blood brothers

Step brothers

Half brothers

The Wright brothers

Brothers-in-law

Religious brothers

Phrases Courantes

Band of brothers

— A small group of people who are very close and loyal to each other.

The team became a band of brothers after the championship.

Am I my brother's keeper?

— A phrase used to avoid responsibility for someone else's actions.

When asked where his friend was, he replied, 'Am I my brother's keeper?'

Brothers from another mother

— Very close friends who feel like family but are not related.

We've been best friends since kindergarten; we're brothers from another mother.

Big brothers

— Older male siblings, or an organization that mentors young boys.

He joined the Big Brothers program to help a local child.

Little brothers

— Younger male siblings, often used affectionately.

My little brothers are always following me around.

The brothers' keeper

— Taking responsibility for the welfare of one's siblings or peers.

He always acted as his brothers' keeper, making sure they were safe.

Brotherly love

— Affectionate and loyal feelings between brothers or friends.

Philadelphia is known as the city of brotherly love.

Like brothers

— Describing a very close relationship between two males.

They grew up together and are like brothers.

Brothers and sisters

— A common way to refer to all siblings or a whole community.

She has five brothers and sisters.

Brother against brother

— A situation where family members or close allies are in conflict.

The civil war pitted brother against brother.

Souvent confondu avec

brothers vs Brother's

This is the singular possessive. 'My brother's car' means the car of one brother.

brothers vs Brothers'

This is the plural possessive. 'My brothers' car' means the car shared by multiple brothers.

brothers vs Siblings

Siblings includes sisters, while brothers only refers to males.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Brothers in arms"

— People who have fought together in a war or struggle.

They remained brothers in arms long after the war ended.

Formal/Literary

"Blood is thicker than water"

— Family relationships are stronger than any other type of bond.

He helped his brothers because blood is thicker than water.

Informal

"Every man is my brother"

— A philosophy of universal love and equality for all people.

He lived by the principle that every man is my brother.

Philosophical

"Wait for no man"

— Time and events move on regardless of individual needs (often used in 'time and tide wait for no man').

The brothers knew that time waits for no man.

Proverbial

"The brotherhood of man"

— The belief that all humans should treat each other with kindness.

The song 'Imagine' dreams of the brotherhood of man.

Formal

"Brother from another mother"

— A male friend who is so close he is considered a brother.

John is my brother from another mother.

Slang

"Big Brother is watching you"

— A reference to a government or authority that monitors everything you do.

With all these cameras, it feels like Big Brother is watching us.

Literary/Political

"A brother of the brush"

— A fellow artist or painter.

He was welcomed by the other brothers of the brush at the gallery.

Archaic

"Keep it in the family"

— To restrict information or property to family members only.

The brothers decided to keep the business in the family.

Neutral

"All men are brothers"

— A statement of universal equality.

The activist preached that all men are brothers.

Formal

Facile à confondre

brothers vs Brethren

It is an old plural form of brother.

Brethren is used for religious or society members; brothers is for family.

The brothers played ball; the brethren prayed together.

brothers vs Bros

It sounds like a shortened version of brothers.

Bros is slang for friends; brothers is the standard word for siblings.

He went out with his bros.

brothers vs Brotherhood

It contains the word brother.

Brotherhood is the abstract concept or the organization; brothers are the individuals.

The brothers joined the brotherhood.

brothers vs Fraternity

It means the same thing in a different language root.

Fraternity is usually a formal organization (like in college); brothers is for family.

The brothers were in the same fraternity.

brothers vs Monks

Monks are often called brothers.

Monk is the job/role; brother is the title or relationship.

The brothers in the monastery are monks.

Structures de phrases

I have [number] brothers.

I have three brothers.

My brothers are [adjective].

My brothers are very tall.

The brothers [verb] together.

The brothers work together in the shop.

They were like brothers to [someone].

They were like brothers to me during the war.

The bond between the brothers was [adjective].

The bond between the brothers was unbreakable.

The brothers' respective [noun] [verb].

The brothers' respective fortunes grew over time.

Are they your brothers?

Are they your brothers in the photo?

One of my brothers is [noun/adjective].

One of my brothers is a doctor.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I have two brother. → I have two brothers.
You must add 's' to make the noun plural when there is more than one.
My brothers is tall. → My brothers are tall.
The verb must agree with the plural subject 'brothers'.
My brother-in-laws are here. → My brothers-in-law are here.
In compound nouns, the main noun (brothers) gets the plural 's'.
I saw my brothers car. → I saw my brothers' car.
If the car belongs to both brothers, you need a plural possessive apostrophe.
The brothers Grimm's stories. → The Brothers Grimm's stories.
Capitalize 'Brothers' when it is part of a proper name like the Brothers Grimm.

Astuces

Plural Agreement

Always use 'are' or 'were' with brothers. 'My brothers are coming' is correct.

The 'TH' sound

Don't forget the 'h' in brothers. It's not 'broters'.

Use Siblings

If you don't know the gender of someone's family members, ask 'Do you have any siblings?'

Metaphorical Use

Calling a close friend 'brother' shows a high level of trust and affection.

Apostrophe Placement

One brother's toy (singular) vs. Two brothers' toys (plural).

Avoid Slang

Never use 'bros' in an essay or a formal letter.

Religious Context

Be respectful when using 'brother' as a title for a monk or priest.

Soft 'S'

The 's' at the end of brothers sounds more like a 'z'.

Band of Brothers

Use this phrase to describe a group with a very strong, shared bond.

Half vs Step

Remember the biological difference between half-brothers and step-brothers.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

B-R-O-T-H-E-R-S: Boys Related Often Through Home, Every Relationship Strong.

Association visuelle

Imagine two boys wearing the same colored shirts, holding hands or playing together to represent the plural 'brothers'.

Word Web

Family Siblings Boys Men Loyalty Brotherhood Fraternal Sisters

Défi

Write a short paragraph about three famous brothers and use the word 'brothers' at least four times correctly.

Origine du mot

The word 'brothers' comes from the Old English 'brōthor', which is of Germanic origin. It has cognates in almost all Indo-European languages, showing its ancient roots in human social structure.

Sens originel : The original meaning was strictly a male sibling born of the same parents.

Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > Old English.

Contexte culturel

Be aware that 'brothers' is gender-specific. In inclusive environments, 'siblings' is often preferred.

In the US and UK, 'brother' is frequently used as a friendly term between men, even if they aren't related.

The Wright Brothers (pioneers of aviation) The Brothers Karamazov (famous novel by Dostoevsky) The Super Mario Brothers (iconic video game characters)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Family Introductions

These are my brothers.
I have three brothers.
Meet my brothers.
My brothers' names are...

Describing Relationships

They are like brothers.
The brothers are very close.
They fight like brothers.
A bond between brothers.

Religious Settings

Welcome, brothers.
Brothers and sisters in faith.
The brothers of the order.
Pray for our brothers.

Sports and Teams

We are brothers on the field.
Play for your brothers.
The brothers of the team.
A band of brothers.

Legal and Formal

The brothers-in-law.
The brothers' estate.
The surviving brothers.
The brothers Grimm.

Amorces de conversation

"How many brothers do you have in your family?"

"Do your brothers live near you or far away?"

"What is your favorite thing to do with your brothers?"

"Are your brothers older or younger than you are?"

"Do you think friends can be just like brothers?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you and your brothers (or friends who are like brothers) helped each other.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having many brothers?

Write about a famous pair of brothers and why they are well-known.

How does the relationship between brothers change as they get older?

If you don't have brothers, what do you imagine it would be like to have two?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, in modern English, 'brothers' refers only to males. Use 'siblings' to include sisters.

The correct plural is 'brothers-in-law'. You pluralize the person, not the law.

Only in very formal religious contexts or when referring to members of certain societies.

No. Half-brothers share one biological parent. Step-brothers share no biological parents but are related by marriage.

Write 'brothers' followed by an apostrophe: 'my brothers' house'.

No, 'bros' is very informal slang and should be avoided in professional settings.

Yes, it is common to use 'brothers' metaphorically for very close friends.

It refers to people who have fought together in a war or a difficult struggle.

Yes, 'brothers' is almost exclusively used as a noun in English.

It is pronounced 'BRUTH-erz' with a clear 'r' sound at the end.

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