american

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "American" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone from the United States or from North or South America when discussing people, culture, geography, language, or history. For example, "The American Dream is a national ethos symbolizing the freedom of opportunity for prosperity and success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive.

The New York Times

"I took this action because I want to make it perfectly clear: I was born in America and I am a proud American citizen.

The New York Times

"We let the American people know we have not waved the white flag of surrender," she said.

The Guardian

"Huma represents what is best about America – the daughter of immigrants, who has risen to the highest levels of our government on the basis of her substantial personal merit and her abiding commitment to the American ideals that she embodies so fully.

The Guardian

I want the American people to learn as much as we can about the work that I did".

The Guardian

Now, here's the trick: American flights from Des Moines to L.A. have a layover in Dallas.

The New York Times - Magazine

Zarqawi was killed by an American bomb in 2006.

The Economist

The next series of another homegrown drama hit, the BBC's Torchwood, is being co-produced with US cable channel Starz – adding American stars including Bill Pullman – while Episodes is itself a co-production between Showtime and the corporation.

The Guardian

Writing days before Abdullah's death, the American author Stephen Kinzer warned that the basis of the west's relationship with the Saudi regime was shifting in fundamental ways, while Saudi Arabia's position in a region beset by insurrection and civil war was ever less secure.

The Guardian

And it is the Saudis who now, in improbable alliance with Binyamin Netanyahu's Israel, lobby most forcefully against any American nuclear deal, or broader western rapprochement, with Shia Iran, their sworn enemy.

The Guardian

It is the Saudis, according to regional and American reports, who helped create IS in Syria and Iraq, again by funnelling arms and cash.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "american" as an adjective before a noun (American history), and as a noun to refer to a person from the United States (He is an American).

Common error

Avoid using "american" when referring to all of the Americas. It can exclude or misrepresent people and cultures from other countries in North, Central, and South America.

Linguistic Context

The term "american" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate origin, affiliation, or characteristic related to the United States of America. It can also function as a noun, referring to a citizen or inhabitant of the United States. Ludwig AI validates these uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Film

15%

Music

8%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "american" is a versatile term primarily functioning as an adjective or noun, denoting a connection to the United States. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While generally neutral in register, context dictates nuance, and specificity (e.g., "United States citizen") may be preferable in formal settings. Its prevalent use in "News & Media", "Film", and "Music" underscores its broad relevance. When referring to the Americas it's recommended to specify "North American" or "South American" to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include "united states citizen" or "u.s. national" for more precise references.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

citizen of the united states

A more formal way to describe someone holding citizenship.

united states citizen

Refers specifically to individuals holding citizenship in the United States.

u.s. national

A formal designation for a person with nationality in the United States.

people from the united states

A descriptive phrase specifying origin from the United States.

united statesian

A less common but valid term for an American person.

of american origin

Indicates something originating from the United States.

from the usa

Simple way to define origin from the United States.

united states denizen

Refers to someone who lives in the US.

north american resident

Indicates residency within North America, potentially including citizens of Canada or Mexico.

inhabitant of america

General term for someone living in America, which could be North or South America.

FAQs

How can I use "american" in a sentence?

You can use "american" as an adjective to describe something from the United States, like "American culture", or as a noun to refer to a person from the United States, like "She is an American citizen".

What is the definition of "american"?

The word "american" refers to anything related to the United States of America, its people, or its culture. It can also broadly refer to the Americas (North and South), but specifying "North American" or "South American" is more precise.

What are some synonyms for "american"?

Some synonyms include "u.s. citizen", "united states national", or more broadly, depending on context, "north american" or "south american".

Is it accurate to use "american" to refer to someone from Canada or Mexico?

No, using "american" to refer to someone from Canada or Mexico is generally inaccurate. It's better to use "canadian" or "mexican" respectively, or "north american" if you're referring to someone from any of the countries in North America.