a good citizen

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'a good citizen' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who follows rules and laws, puts others first, takes an active role in their community, etc. For example, "John is a good citizen who always volunteers his time to help the homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's been a good citizen.

The New York Times - Sports

To be a good citizen?

Harvard University

A good citizen is a good citizen is a good citizen, regardless of age, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

The New York Times - Sports

DW: So he's just a good citizen.

The Guardian - Film

I guess that's being a good citizen.

The Guardian - Film

It's people saying, 'Be a good citizen in your community.' ".

The New York Times

Of course you have, like a good citizen.

Independent

What makes a good citizen in today’s America?

University of California, Berkeley

What does it mean to be a "good citizen"?

The Guardian - Music

"Anyone who's a good citizen wants to help their country.

The Guardian

There is nothing "glamorous" about being a good citizen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good citizen", consider the specific qualities you want to emphasize, such as respect for the law, community involvement, or ethical behavior.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a good citizen" is someone who unquestioningly follows authority. Critical thinking and constructive dissent are also important aspects of responsible citizenship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good citizen" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive. Ludwig and Ludwig AI indicate its function in attributing a positive characteristic to an individual or entity, highlighting their adherence to societal norms and values.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good citizen" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe individuals who contribute positively to their communities. According to Ludwig and Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news, academic, and formal business contexts. While its register is generally neutral, the specific qualities emphasized when using the phrase can vary. Remember to consider alternative phrasing to convey the intended nuances and to avoid equating citizenship with blind obedience. The provided examples and related phrases offer further insights into the versatility and proper usage of this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a responsible individual

Focuses on the individual's sense of responsibility and duty.

a law-abiding person

Highlights adherence to laws and regulations.

an upstanding member of society

Emphasizes moral and ethical behavior within a community.

a civic-minded person

Stresses an interest in and dedication to the well-being of the community.

a contributing member

Highlights the positive contributions made to society.

an exemplary resident

Focuses on the quality of being a model inhabitant of a place.

a model community member

Highlights adherence to communal values and cooperation.

a dutiful inhabitant

Emphasizes fulfilling obligations and responsibilities as part of a community.

a socially conscious individual

Highlights awareness of social issues and commitment to positive change.

a valuable asset to the community

Stresses the importance and positive impact of the person on the community.

FAQs

How is "a good citizen" typically defined?

Being "a good citizen" often involves respecting laws, participating in community activities, and contributing to the well-being of society. It can also include ethical behavior and a commitment to social responsibility.

What are some alternative ways to describe someone who is "a good citizen"?

Alternatives include "a responsible individual", "a law-abiding person", or "a civic-minded person", depending on the context.

Is being "a good citizen" the same as being a patriot?

While patriotism can be part of being "a good citizen", they aren't the same thing. A patriot loves their country, but "a good citizen" focuses on contributing to the community and respecting the rights of others, regardless of nationalistic sentiments.

How can someone become "a good citizen"?

Becoming "a good citizen" involves educating oneself about civic issues, participating in local governance, volunteering, and treating others with respect. It's an ongoing process of learning and engagement.