a foreign person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a foreign person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is from a different country or nationality than the one being discussed. Example: "During the conference, we had the opportunity to meet a foreign person who shared valuable insights about international relations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It can be concluded that the label of "foreigner" alone is not indicative of whether a foreign person in Japan has special needs for disaster information and support.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

(iii)U.S. intermediary or agent of a foreign person.

Cornell University

It also applies to a registrant who is a foreign person and is owned or controlled by a foreign person from the same country or a foreign person from another country.

Cornell University

Anyone who had contact with a foreign person was required to report to Iraqi intelligence.

The New York Times

"I feel ashamed that a foreign person sees this and thinks: This was destroyed by Afghans themselves".

The New Yorker

In paragraph (1), the term "foreign entity" means a foreign person, a foreign company, or any other foreign entity.

Cornell University

This requirement applies to a registrant who is a U.S. person and is owned or controlled by a foreign person.

Cornell University

The prohibitions of this section shall not apply where the employer is a foreign person not controlled by an American employer.

Cornell University

For purposes of this section, the term nominee means a domestic person that holds an interest in a publicly traded partnership on behalf of a foreign person.

Cornell University

In general, a foreign person is a nonresident alien individual, foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust, or foreign estate, but not a resident alien individual.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The amount of the prize or award and tax withholding will be reported on a Form 1042-S "Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals from other countries, be mindful of the context. "A foreign person" can sometimes sound impersonal or even clinical. Consider using more specific terms like "expatriate", "immigrant", or simply stating the person's nationality when appropriate.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a foreign person" in contexts where it might sound dehumanizing or overly detached. In sensitive discussions about immigration or cultural integration, opting for more nuanced and respectful language is advisable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foreign person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an individual who is not a citizen or national of the country being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a foreign person" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that categorizes an individual based on their citizenship or national origin. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for various contexts, especially in legal, administrative, and news-related settings. However, it's important to be mindful of the potential for insensitivity and consider using more specific or nuanced language when appropriate. Alternatives include "foreigner", "non-citizen", or specifying nationality. The phrase appears most commonly in academic and news contexts. Therefore, it is essential to carefully evaluate the tone and purpose of your writing when using the term "a foreign person".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foreigner

A more general term referring to someone from another country.

a non-citizen

Focuses on the legal status of not being a citizen.

a non-national

Similar to "non-citizen", emphasizing the lack of national affiliation.

an alien

A more formal and sometimes legal term for someone who isn't a citizen.

an expatriate

Refers to someone living in a country other than their native one, often for an extended period.

a person of foreign origin

Highlights the individual's origin from another country.

an immigrant

Implies someone who has come to live permanently in a foreign country.

an international resident

Emphasizes residency in a country that isn't their native one.

a global citizen

Suggests a person who identifies with the world community and its interconnectedness.

a transient individual

Highlights the temporary or non-permanent nature of their presence.

FAQs

What is another way to say "a foreign person"?

Alternatives include "foreigner", "non-citizen", or, depending on the context, you could specify their nationality (e.g. "a French citizen").

When is it appropriate to use the term "a foreign person"?

The term "a foreign person" is generally appropriate in legal, administrative, or technical contexts where a neutral and objective descriptor is needed. However, be mindful of potentially negative connotations in other situations.

Is "a foreign person" the same as "an alien"?

While both terms refer to someone who isn't a citizen of a particular country, "alien" often has legal implications and can sometimes be perceived as less sensitive than "a foreign person". It is important to consider the context carefully.

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

Example: "The company is required to report any financial transactions involving "a foreign person" to the relevant authorities."