as a citizen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a citizen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing rights, responsibilities, or actions taken in the context of being a member of a community or nation. Example: "As a citizen, I believe it is my duty to participate in the democratic process and vote in elections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a citizen?

Independent

He continued the project as a citizen.

The New York Times

I as a citizen depend upon leaks".

The New York Times - Magazine

"And I, as a citizen, am offended".

The New York Times

He too was seen as a citizen of the world.

Independent

Swartz asked if it was his field "as a citizen".

The New Yorker

"As a citizen you cannot be indifferent to music.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a right I have as a citizen.

The New Yorker

As a citizen, I mean, rather than as a journalist.

The New Yorker

"I'm offering you my personal opinion as a citizen".

The New Yorker

"I'll do what I have to do as a citizen.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a citizen", ensure that the statement or action directly relates to the rights, responsibilities, or concerns associated with citizenship. This clarifies the context and strengthens your argument or expression.

Common error

Avoid using "as a citizen" when the context is more broadly related to human rights or general ethical concerns. Instead, use phrases like "as a person" or "as a member of society" to avoid implying that the issue is solely relevant to citizens.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a citizen" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the capacity in which an action is performed or an opinion is held. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it prefaces statements of belief, duty, or intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a citizen" is a common and grammatically correct way to express actions, beliefs, or responsibilities related to one's civic identity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources. Its primary function is to frame statements within the context of citizenship, and while generally neutral in tone, it is most frequently found in news and media. Remember to use "as a citizen" when the context directly involves civic duties or rights, and avoid overgeneralizing its scope to broader ethical or human rights issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a citizen's perspective

This focuses on the viewpoint or outlook of someone holding citizenship.

in my capacity as a citizen

This alternative emphasizes the role or position from which the action or statement is made.

in the role of a citizen

This highlights the specific function or part being played.

as a member of society

This broadens the scope from national citizenship to general societal membership.

being a citizen

This is a more concise way of expressing the state of being a citizen.

as a constituent

This alternative highlights the relationship between a citizen and their elected representatives.

as a national

This term emphasizes nationality rather than civic duty.

in terms of citizenship

This phrase relates more directly to the legal status and rights associated with citizenship.

as a resident

This refers to someone living in a particular place, not necessarily a citizen.

qua citizen

This is a more formal or legalistic way to express the capacity of a citizen.

FAQs

How can I use "as a citizen" in a sentence?

Use "as a citizen" to preface an opinion, action, or right that is directly related to your status as a member of a country or community. For example, "As a citizen, I believe it's my duty to vote".

What are some alternatives to "as a citizen"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in my capacity as a citizen", "as a member of society", or "from a citizen's perspective".

When is it appropriate to use "as a citizen" versus "as a resident"?

"As a citizen" should be used when referring to rights, responsibilities, or actions specifically tied to citizenship. Use "as a resident" when referring to matters related to living in a particular location, regardless of citizenship status.

Is there a difference between using "as a citizen" and "in my role as a citizen"?

While similar, "in my role as a citizen" emphasizes the specific function or part being played, whereas "as a citizen" is a more general declaration of one's standing. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a particular activity or simply your status.