being of colour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being of colour" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to individuals who belong to racial or ethnic minority groups, often in discussions about diversity and representation. Example: "The organization aims to support the voices of individuals being of colour in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

– they were exotic, without actually being of colour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's about people who are of colour and a whole set of presuppositions about these people," he said.

The Guardian

The secondary atom types are of colour, odour, taste and touch.

SEP

NInety percent of people who are stopped and frisked are of colour.

Vice

Of the 11 jurors, two were women, two were people of colour, none were indigenous.

Vice

The majority of them being people of colour because here was art for us, by us.

The Guardian - Opinion

They may be of solid colour, parti-coloured, or spotted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Be confident and don't be afraid of colour – it can be flattering".

Independent

What Jim is looking for is uniformity – of colour, and shape, and size.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hair must be of natural colour.

Wikipedia

It could be of any colour.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing diversity and inclusion, ensure that the context clearly supports the use of "being of colour" to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "person of color" or "people of color" for broader understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "being of colour" as a blanket term without acknowledging the specific cultural or ethnic identities within the group. Recognize the diversity within communities and avoid stereotyping.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being of colour" functions as a descriptive term, often acting as a noun modifier. It identifies individuals as belonging to racial or ethnic groups other than the dominant one. As per Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English, though alternatives might be more common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being of colour" is used to describe individuals who belong to racial or ethnic minority groups. While grammatically correct, Ludwig suggests that alternatives such as "person of color" or "people of color" are more common. The phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, it's crucial to consider the audience and specific context to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation. Though usable, be aware that more widespread alternatives exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person of color

Replaces "being" with "person", offering a more direct noun-based expression.

people of color

Plural form, referring to multiple individuals of non-dominant racial groups.

racial minority

Directly states the racial status of the individual or group.

ethnic minority

Focuses on ethnic background rather than racial classification.

from a minority background

Focuses on background instead of color, emphasizing underrepresentation.

individual from a diverse background

Highlights diversity including aspects beyond just racial identity.

non-white individual

Defines by negation, identifying those who are not considered white.

member of a marginalized group

Emphasizes the social disadvantage experienced by the group.

diverse ethnicity

Focuses on the characteristic of being ethnically different or varied.

underrepresented group member

Highlights the lack of proportional representation in a certain context.

FAQs

What does "being of colour" mean?

The term "being of colour" generally refers to individuals who are not considered white. It's often used in discussions about race, ethnicity, and representation, but it is crucial to use it with sensitivity and awareness of individual identities.

Is "being of colour" the same as "person of color"?

While similar, "person of color" and "people of color" are more commonly used and widely understood. "Being of colour" might sound less direct. Consider using "person of color" or "people of color" for clarity.

Are there contexts where "being of colour" is more appropriate than "person of color"?

The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Being of colour" might be used in more descriptive or analytical contexts, but it's essential to consider audience and potential for misinterpretation. Using "individual from a diverse background" can be also an option.

What are some respectful alternatives to "being of colour"?

Consider using more specific terms when possible, such as "Black", "Asian", or "Indigenous". If a general term is needed, phrases like "from a minority background" or "member of a marginalized group" may be suitable depending on the context.