countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "countries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to nations or states, often in discussions about geography, politics, or economics. Example: "Many countries are working together to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They think it's unfair to expect Germany to make an open-ended commitment to support these countries in the absence of meaningful reform.

The New York Times

"Seven countries.

The New York Times - Arts

Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries.

The New York Times

Turkmenistan is among the most corrupt and repressive countries on earth, according to watchdogs.

The Guardian

A pricing dispute prompted the country to reorient its exports towards China, aided by the opening of a pipeline connecting the two countries in 2009.

The Guardian

Other EU countries have responded to the call for help with two fixed-wing aircraft and three patrol vessels.

The Guardian

Anelay said: "The government believes the most effective way to prevent refugees and migrants attempting this dangerous crossing is to focus our attention on countries of origin and transit, as well as taking steps to fight the people smugglers who wilfully put lives at risk by packing migrants into unseaworthy boats".

The Guardian

"There's nothing new about people from these countries coming to live and work in the UK.

The Guardian

With more than 70% of the poor now living, or expected to live in middle-income countries, these regions would be likely targets for investment.

The Guardian

Giving evidence to the House of Commons' international development committee, which is looking into the future of the CDC – Britain's investment fund for developing countries – Andrew Mitchell said the corporation's fund of funds model was too narrow and needed to be expanded.

The Guardian

The report has been produced by the Commonwealth Fund, a Washington-based foundation which is respected around the world for its analysis of the performance of different countries' health systems.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "countries" when referring to multiple independent political entities, especially in discussions about international relations, economics, or geography. For example, "Many "countries" are participating in the climate summit".

Common error

Avoid using the singular form "country" when referring to multiple nations. For example, instead of saying "Each country have different laws", say "The "countries" have different laws".

Linguistic Context

The word "countries" functions as a plural noun, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As a plural noun, it refers to more than one country. Ludwig AI confirms this based on numerous examples of usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "countries" is a grammatically correct and commonly used plural noun that refers to multiple nations or states. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is generally neutral, although it appears frequently in News & Media. When writing, be sure to use the plural form when referring to more than one country and consider using synonyms like "nations" or "states" to add variety to your writing. Understanding its context and synonyms will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nations

Replaces "countries" with a synonym emphasizing national identity and unity.

states

Uses a term that focuses on the political organization and governance of the entities.

member states

Specifies that the entities are part of a larger organization or alliance.

sovereign states

Emphasizes the independence and self-governance of the entities.

territories

Refers to geographic areas under the jurisdiction of a particular government.

regions

Broadens the scope to include geographic areas that may or may not be politically defined.

lands

A more poetic or archaic term for "countries".

the international community

Refers to all "countries" collectively, especially in the context of global issues.

world powers

Focuses on "countries" with significant global influence.

foreign nations

Highlights the distinction between one's own country and others.

FAQs

How do I use "countries" in a sentence?

Use "countries" when referring to multiple nations or states. For example, "Many "countries are" working towards sustainable development".

What is the difference between "countries" and "nations"?

While both terms refer to political entities, "countries" is a more general term, while "nations" often emphasizes a shared cultural or ethnic identity. You can use alternatives like "nations" if you want to stress the cultural aspect.

Are "countries" and "states" interchangeable?

"Countries" and "states" can often be used interchangeably, especially when referring to sovereign entities. However, "states" can also refer to subdivisions within a country, such as "states" in the United States.

Which is more formal, "countries" or "nations"?

Both "countries" and "nations" are suitable for formal writing. However, "nations" might carry a slightly more elevated or traditional tone in some contexts. Both terms can be used in place of each other depending on the context and desired tone.