a homeless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a homeless" can be used in written English and is used to refer to someone who is homeless.
For example, "The city outreach program aims to provide shelter and food to a homeless person in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I was working in a homeless hostel.

The New York Times

A homeless charity recently gave him shelter.

The New York Times

A homeless shelter?

The New York Times

"Just a homeless person".

The New Yorker

Just a homeless guy".

The New York Times

I thought it was a homeless person.

Independent

Mr. Girgis considered a homeless shelter.

The New York Times

Now I am like a homeless person".

The New Yorker

It looked like a homeless shelter".

The New York Times

"Come here, chicken!" a homeless man taunted.

The New York Times - Sports

Only one was white — a homeless man.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about homelessness, prioritize person-first language (e.g., "a person experiencing homelessness") to avoid dehumanizing individuals and focus on their situation rather than defining them by it.

Common error

Be mindful of using respectful and accurate language when discussing homelessness. Avoid using terms like "bum" or "vagrant" as they are often considered derogatory and perpetuate negative stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a homeless" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase using the indefinite article "a" to describe a noun (typically "person", "man", "woman", etc.). Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is common and acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

16%

Huffington Post

16%

Less common in

TechCrunch

4%

Vice

4%

The Guardian - Sport

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a homeless" is a grammatically sound and widely used way to describe an individual experiencing homelessness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly found in news and media and is generally considered acceptable. While grammatically correct, it’s important to consider person-first language (such as "a person experiencing homelessness") in certain contexts to avoid dehumanization. Remembering this will help you communicate with both clarity and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unhoused person

Emphasizes the lack of housing rather than defining the person by their state.

a person experiencing homelessness

Uses person-first language, focusing on the experience rather than the identity.

an individual without a home

Directly states the lack of a home, suitable for formal contexts.

a person living on the streets

Highlights the visible aspect of homelessness, focusing on the environment.

a rough sleeper

Commonly used in the UK to describe someone sleeping outdoors.

a dispossessed person

Focuses on the loss of possessions and security.

a transient individual

Implies a temporary or unstable living situation.

a shelter resident

Specifically refers to someone residing in a homeless shelter.

a person facing housing insecurity

Broader term encompassing those at risk of homelessness.

an impoverished individual

Highlights the economic aspect of homelessness, referring to someone living in poverty.

FAQs

What is the correct way to refer to someone without a home?

Using person-first language, such as "a person experiencing homelessness", is generally preferred as it emphasizes the individual rather than defining them solely by their housing status.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "a homeless person"?

Yes, alternatives include "an unhoused person", "a person living on the streets", or "an individual without a home", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

How does the term "a homeless" compare to "homeless" as an adjective?

Using "a homeless" functions as an adjective preceding a noun (e.g., "a homeless man"). "Homeless" can also be used as an adjective directly (e.g., "homeless people"). Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the specific sentence structure.

What resources are available to help "a homeless" individual?

Various organizations provide assistance, including shelters, food banks, and outreach programs. Specific resources vary by location, but can often be found through local government or non-profit websites.