Learn English – Is the phrase “breed of men” weird or just different

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Forgive me for asking two questions in a single post, but I think it would make more sense to post them together. So please indulge me.

Sentence: He is not unique. We should be able to discover such breed of men on turning the pages of history, small in number though they might be.

  1. Is 'such (a) breed of men' too archaic an expression to still use today? (I'm using it in a translation of a short story)

  2. Usage of article: 'such breed of men', 'such a breed of men', or 'such a breed of man'?
    Also, could you please explain the logic behind your choice?

I find myself confused over the more complex usages/omissions of articles. So, a proper explanation or even a link would be much appreciated.

Best Answer

  1. It's fairly high in tone but not archaic. To my British ears there is a strong Shakespearean echo, but maybe you are happy with that. I guess it depends on the style of the rest of the story.

    This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle,
    This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
    This other Eden, demi-paradise,
    This fortress built by Nature for herself
    Against infection and the hand of war,
    This happy breed of men, this little world,
    This precious stone set in the silver sea,
    Which serves it in the office of a wall,
    Or as a moat defensive to a house,
    Against the envy of less happier lands,
    This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England!
    — Richard II, Act 2

  2. I would suggest a personal pronoun instead of the article, and a general tightening.

    He is not unique. We may discover his breed of men in the pages of history, few in number though they be.

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