compatriots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compatriots" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to fellow countrymen or people from the same nation, often in a context of shared identity or solidarity. Example: "As we gather here today, I am proud to stand alongside my compatriots in the fight for our rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was quick to thank his compatriots for their gesture – though it has been unkindly suggested that his tweets may have been an attempt to spin collusion into sportsmanship.

The Guardian - Sport

Usain Bolt blew away all opposition in front of a sell-out crowd at the London Grand Prix, running the 100 metres in 9.91 seconds into a strong headwind, seemingly unaffected by the news of his compatriots' positive drugs tests.

The Guardian - Sport

He made no attempt to return to power and lamely apologised for any hurt he said he might have caused his compatriots.

The Guardian

He is surrounded by a coterie of compatriots at Orient, and has family in nearby Tottenham.

The Guardian - Sport

But after profanity laws meant a cut-down version of the film went on general release in Russia, the director encouraged his compatriots to download a version illegally; some estimate that there have been over 4m downloads so far.

The Guardian - Film

Clark turns up YouGov polls showing how Britons hit by the recession are more than twice as likely as their slump-proof compatriots to report that they row more.

The Guardian - Opinion

The company's fortunes have been buoyed by growing numbers of middle- and high-earning Salvadoran bankers, bureaucrats and businessmen, and by a rise in compatriots living abroad who are buying property at home for their families or retirement.

The Guardian

Now that he knows Spain well, Spieller believes that the image that many of his compatriots have of workers in Mediterranean Europe is unjust.

The Guardian

Italy's most successful politician since the second world war, and its longest-serving modern prime minister, no longer radiates the dazzling aura that blinded his compatriots to his shortcomings and persuaded them to elect him as their leader no less than three times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ramírez went into raptures because he had ensured that he and his compatriots made a positive imprint on the global consciousness at a time when El Salvador was known mostly for gore.

The Guardian - Sport

Murray would seem to have found his compass here since the bizarre evening when the capital's underground system bamboozled him, and his strong start – subduing then taming the wild-swinging Argentinian Facundo Argüello in an hour and 45 minutes – was the sort of performance to lift the hopes of his compatriots left in the tournament, Edmund and Heather Watson.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compatriots" to foster a sense of unity and shared identity, especially in speeches or formal writing. It adds a touch of patriotism and camaraderie.

Common error

Avoid using "compatriots" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for simpler terms like "fellow citizens" or "people from my country" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

Compatriots functions as a plural noun, referring to people who share the same nationality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is commonly used to denote a sense of shared identity and solidarity among citizens of a nation, as shown in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "compatriots" is a grammatically sound and frequently used plural noun that denotes a shared nationality and identity. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively fosters a sense of unity, particularly in formal contexts like news, media, and business. While "compatriots" carries a relatively formal tone, alternatives such as "fellow citizens" or "countrymen" may be more appropriate for informal settings. Therefore, use "compatriots" to invoke a sense of shared national identity and purpose, especially in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fellow citizens

A more formal and neutral alternative, emphasizing civic membership.

countrymen

Highlights national identity and shared heritage.

fellow nationals

Similar to "countrymen", but emphasizes nationality over heritage.

fellow countrymen

A combination of "fellow citizens" and "countrymen", implying shared civic and national identity.

people from my country

A simpler, more direct way of expressing shared nationality.

members of my nation

Focuses on membership in a national entity.

citizens of my country

Highlights the legal aspect of belonging to a country.

nationals

Shorter form for people having the same nationality.

people of the same nation

General way to describe the relation between people with common nationality.

fellow inhabitants

Emphasizes shared residency, rather than national identity.

FAQs

How do I use "compatriots" in a sentence?

"Compatriots" is typically used to address or refer to fellow citizens of a nation, often in a context of shared identity or national pride. For example: "My dear compatriots, let us work together for a better future."

What can I say instead of "compatriots"?

You can use alternatives like "fellow citizens", "countrymen", or "fellow nationals" depending on the context.

Is "compatriots" formal or informal?

"Compatriots" is generally considered a formal term, often used in speeches, official statements, or written communication where a sense of national unity or shared identity is emphasized. Simpler terms may be more appropriate for casual conversation.

What is the difference between "compatriots" and "countrymen"?

While both "compatriots" and "countrymen" refer to people from the same country, "compatriots" emphasizes shared identity and purpose, whereas "countrymen" simply denotes shared national origin.