a foreign country

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a foreign country" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to a country that is not native to the speaker. For example, "I am planning to travel to a foreign country this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Massachusetts is a foreign country.

The New Yorker

Alone, in a foreign country.

The New York Times

"Massachusetts is a foreign country to me".

The New Yorker

Mexico is a foreign country to them.

The New York Times

The present is a foreign country.

The New Yorker

But it sounds like a foreign country.

Independent

Get lost in a foreign country.

Independent

A foreign country too.

The New York Times - Magazine

produced in a foreign country..

Harvard University

A FOREIGN COUNTRY By Charles Cumming 357 pages.

The New York Times - Books

He sees a foreign country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about travel experiences, use specific details and sensory language to convey the unique aspects of the "a foreign country" you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "alien country" unless you specifically want to emphasize a sense of complete otherness or estrangement. "A foreign country" is generally a more neutral and appropriate term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foreign country" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in various contexts. Examples show its use in describing travel, immigration, and international relations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foreign country" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively denotes a country other than one's own. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its prevalence is especially notable in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While semantically similar alternatives exist, like "an overseas nation" or "a nation abroad", choosing "a foreign country" offers a balance of clarity and common usage. It's important to avoid confusion with terms like "alien country" which carries a stronger connotation of unfamiliarity. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a different country

A more general and simple way of referring to a country other than one's own.

a country not your own

Directly states that the country does not belong to the listener or speaker.

a non-native country

Emphasizes the country's status as not being the speaker's country of origin.

an overseas nation

Replaces 'foreign' with 'overseas', emphasizing geographical distance.

a nation abroad

Similar to 'overseas nation' but with a slightly more formal tone.

an alien land

Uses 'alien' to highlight the unfamiliar and potentially strange nature of the country.

an international destination

Focuses on the country as a place to travel or conduct international business.

a distant land

Emphasizes the remoteness and unfamiliarity of the country.

a separate nation

Highlights the political independence and distinct identity of the country.

an external territory

Focuses on the country as a place outside of one's own territory or jurisdiction.

FAQs

How can I use "a foreign country" in a sentence?

You can use "a foreign country" to refer to any nation that is not your own. For example, "Traveling to "a foreign country" can broaden your perspective".

What's the difference between "a foreign country" and "another country"?

"A foreign country" implies a sense of unfamiliarity or being different from your own, while "another country" is simply a neutral way of saying it's not your own. "Another country" doesn't necessarily highlight the differences or the experience of being in an unfamiliar place.

What can I say instead of "a foreign country" to sound more formal?

Alternatives like "an overseas nation" or "a nation abroad" can be used to convey the same idea with a more formal tone.

Is it correct to use "a foreign country" in academic writing?

Yes, "a foreign country" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing, especially when discussing international relations, cultural studies, or travel. However, be mindful of the context and choose more specific terms if appropriate, such as "a non-native country".