a landless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a landless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups who do not own land, often in discussions about social, economic, or political issues. Example: "The plight of a landless population often leads to increased social unrest and demands for reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Most probably they were itinerant metal workers and entertainers who drifted west from India in the 7th century.However, since communism in Central Europe collapsed a decade ago, the notion of Romanestan as a landless nation founded on Gypsy culture has gained ground.

The Economist

A landless knight makes thee a landed squire.

Yale University

See articleThe leader of a landless peasant movement in Paraguay was murdered by two gunmen.

The Economist

In doing so, they created a landless working class who lived as labourers, uprooted and flexible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps you're a a maid, a farmer, a landless daily worker or an economic migrant.

The Guardian

In the story, a young lord spurns his intended brown-haired bride for a landless girl that he loves.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Zander Navarro, a sociologist at Britain's University of Sussex and a former landless activist, says its internal structure is "very anti-democratic".

The Economist

And the Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians constitute a largely landless minority in their own islands, outnumbered by the descendants of the Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipinos and mainlanders who have made their way here.

The New York Times - Arts

A national landless workers movement, MST, developed alongside this and, together with PT, these three movements gave a dynamic sense of progress to the Brazilian left while it was in retreat in many other parts of the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She had been a completely landless laborer, making her money from working other peoples' fields when such work was available, which was not always". The transformation in her life had been extraordinary.

HuffPost

Prawn culture with cages constructed using bamboo has been successful with potential for expansion, and a few landless people have adopted it.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a landless", ensure that the context clearly establishes who or what is being described as lacking land, and why this lack is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a landless" when "without land" or "non-landowning" would be more precise. "A landless" often carries connotations of poverty, disenfranchisement, or historical injustice, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a landless" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing someone or something lacking land ownership. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is generally considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

23%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a landless" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the condition of lacking land, often with implications of poverty or social disadvantage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It appears frequently in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Encyclopedias", suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related terms include "without land" and "non-landowning", though "a landless" often carries a stronger connotation of social inequity. When employing this phrase, it's essential to consider the context and ensure alignment with your intended meaning, avoiding potential misunderstandings related to the inherent implications of dispossession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without land

Directly indicates the absence of land, maintaining a similar level of formality.

dispossessed of land

Highlights the act of being deprived of land, adding a stronger sense of injustice.

land-poor

Implies a lack of sufficient land, suggesting economic hardship.

without landed property

A more formal way of saying "without land", emphasizing legal ownership.

non-landowning

Describes a status of not owning land, suitable for formal or technical contexts.

unlanded

A concise and somewhat archaic term for lacking land.

homeless farmer

Highlights the paradox of a farmer without land, emphasizing their plight.

without a plot of land

Emphasizes the lack of even a small piece of land.

landless peasant

Specifies the social class of those lacking land, often implying poverty and exploitation.

rural dispossessed

Focuses on the displacement and lack of resources in a rural context.

FAQs

How can I use "a landless" in a sentence?

"A landless" is typically used to describe individuals or groups who do not own land, often in the context of social or economic inequality. For example: "The reforms aimed to address the needs of "landless farmers"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a landless"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "without land", "non-landowning", or "dispossessed of land" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "landless people" or "a landless" people?

"Landless people" is generally more common and natural-sounding. "A landless people" is grammatically correct, but less frequently used. Prefer "landless people" for clarity and conciseness.

What is the significance of being "a landless" in historical contexts?

Historically, being "a landless" often signified a lack of economic and political power, as land ownership was a primary determinant of social status. It often implied a life of poverty and dependence on landowners.