all citizens

USAGE SUMMARY

'all citizens' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a group of people, typically with regards to rights, privileges, or obligations. For example, "All citizens have the right to vote in elections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All citizens are considered equal.

The Economist

We are all citizens of this world.

Independent

All citizens need protecting from themselves.

The Guardian - Books

All citizens should have equal access.

The Guardian - Business

"We're all citizens," Mr. Kovach said.

The New York Times

We are all citizens, and these are rights that all citizens are being deprived of.

The Guardian

The government is obliged to treat all citizens equally.

The Economist

All citizens — diplomats and others — should have the best protection.

The New York Times

All citizens should be equal before the law.

The Economist

But equally, health services are owed to all citizens.

The New York Times

All citizens age 18 and over are eligible to vote.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all citizens", ensure the context clearly defines the geographical or political boundary to which the citizens belong, such as "all citizens of the United States" or "all citizens of the European Union".

Common error

Avoid using "all citizens" without specifying the relevant jurisdiction. For example, statements about rights or responsibilities should clarify which nation or entity's citizens are being referred to, to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all citizens" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a group or set. It's used to make generalizations about the rights, responsibilities, or characteristics shared by every member of a defined political community. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

18%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all citizens" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in news, encyclopedias, academic and scientific writing. It serves to denote the entire population of a defined political entity, often in discussions concerning shared rights or responsibilities. While versatile, it's crucial to specify the relevant jurisdiction to prevent ambiguity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Alternatives like "every resident" or "the entire population" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and always clarify which "citizens" are being referred to for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

every resident

Focuses on residency rather than citizenship, implying a broader scope of inclusion beyond legal citizens.

all inhabitants

Emphasizes those who live in a particular place, regardless of their citizenship status.

every member of society

Highlights the social aspect and responsibilities within a community, broadening the context beyond just legal rights.

all members of the public

Focuses on the general population and their interaction with public services or spaces.

each individual

Stresses the importance of every single person, emphasizing individuality within the collective.

the entire population

Highlights statistical completeness and coverage, often used in demographic or survey contexts.

all people

Simplifies the concept to its most basic form, removing legal or social connotations.

every person

Similar to "all people" but with a more emphatic focus on the individual.

the whole citizenry

Emphasizes the collective body of citizens, viewed as a unified entity.

all nationals

Refers to people belonging to a particular nation, often used in international law or travel contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "all citizens" in a sentence?

You can use "all citizens" to refer to the entire population of a specific country or region, especially when discussing rights, responsibilities, or laws. For instance, "All citizens have the right to freedom of speech".

What's a good alternative to "all citizens"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "all citizens" include "every resident", "all inhabitants", or "the entire population". Each option carries slightly different connotations regarding legal status and inclusivity.

Is it better to say "every citizen" or "all citizens"?

Both "every citizen" and "all citizens" are grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably. However, "all citizens" emphasizes the collective, while "every citizen" stresses the individual perspective. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When should I specify which "citizens" I'm referring to?

It's crucial to specify the nation or region when discussing rights or responsibilities unique to a particular citizenry. For example, saying "all citizens of France" clarifies that the statement applies specifically to French nationals, avoiding ambiguity.