civil servant

USAGE SUMMARY

"civil servant" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone employed in a senior executive or administrative post in the government or public sector. For example, "The civil servant was questioned by the committee about the proposed policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The civil servant?

The Guardian

"I'm a civil servant.

The New York Times

Edith Cresson's was a civil servant".

The New Yorker

TONY BLAIR once kidnapped a civil servant.

The Economist

"He's a civil servant," she said.

The New York Times

He is a lifelong civil servant.

The New York Times - Magazine

The civil servant was right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Career as Prussian civil servant.

Britannica

The Naked Civil Servant... 28.

The Guardian

She's a former civil servant.

The Guardian

They receive government -- not civil servant -- salaries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "civil servant", consider the specific context and ensure it accurately reflects the individual's role and responsibilities within the government or public sector. Be mindful of potential negative connotations associated with related terms like "bureaucrat".

Common error

Avoid assuming all "civil servants" are the same. Their roles vary greatly, from administrative tasks to policy-making. Always be specific when describing their responsibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "civil servant" functions as a noun, specifically a common noun, used to identify a person employed in the civil service. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in defining individuals working for the government.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "civil servant" correctly identifies individuals employed in government administration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase. It commonly appears in news reports, encyclopedias, and academic texts. While generally neutral, it's important to be mindful of potential negative connotations associated with related terms like "bureaucrat". When using "civil servant", consider the specific context and role of the individual, avoiding overgeneralizations. Related terms include "public servant" and "government employee", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Public servant

A more general term encompassing all individuals working for the government or in public service, not necessarily in administrative roles.

Civil service employee

A more descriptive term, clearly indicating employment within the civil service system.

Government employee

Refers to anyone employed by the government, including those in non-administrative positions.

Government administrator

Highlights the administrative and managerial responsibilities of the individual.

State employee

Specifically refers to individuals employed by a state government, rather than the federal government.

Government staff member

A general term that encompasses various roles and levels of employment within the government.

Public official

A broader term that can include elected or appointed officials, as well as career civil servants.

State functionary

A formal term emphasizing the individual's role in the functioning of the state.

Career government worker

Emphasizes the long-term commitment and professional nature of the individual's employment.

Bureaucrat

Sometimes carries a negative connotation, implying excessive adherence to rules and procedures.

FAQs

How is a "civil servant" different from a politician?

A "civil servant" is an employee of the government who is not elected or politically appointed. They typically have specialized skills and provide continuity across different administrations, whereas politicians are elected officials who set policy and direction.

What are some other terms used to describe a "civil servant"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "public servant", "government employee", or "state employee". The most appropriate term depends on the specific role and level of government.

What kind of work do "civil servants" do?

"Civil servants" perform a wide range of jobs, from administrative tasks and policy analysis to providing direct services to the public. Their roles vary greatly depending on the agency and their specific expertise.

Is the term "bureaucrat" the same as "civil servant"?

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, "bureaucrat" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting rigid adherence to rules and procedures. "Civil servant" is generally a more neutral and respectful term.