ethnic group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethnic group" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a community or population that shares a common cultural heritage, identity, and customs. It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe different groups of people, such as: - "The city is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians." - "The government is working to promote cultural diversity and ensure equal rights for all ethnic groups." - "The study focused on the experiences and perspectives of different ethnic groups in the education system." - "The restaurant offers a variety of dishes from various ethnic groups, reflecting the city's multicultural population." - "The festival celebrates the traditions and customs of different ethnic groups, showcasing their unique music, dance, and food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To your ethnic group?

The New York Times

By ethnic group?

The New York Times

Each ethnic group brought its religious traditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others belong to the Rakhine ethnic group.

The Economist

No ethnic group predominates in the city.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But your ethnic group is fixed.

The Economist

It is not an ethnic group.

The New York Times

It included every ethnic group and region.

The New York Times

Blacks could become just another ethnic group.

The New York Times

We are not killing an ethnic group".

The Guardian

Which ethnic group dominates Sri Lanka's government?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "ethnic group", be specific and respectful. Avoid generalizations and stereotypes, and always strive to use the most accurate and appropriate terminology.

Common error

Avoid using "ethnic group" interchangeably with nationality. Ethnicity refers to cultural heritage and identity, while nationality refers to citizenship in a particular country. For example, someone can be of Irish ethnicity but have American nationality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethnic group" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a collective of people sharing common cultural, national, or religious traits, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethnic group" is a commonly used and generally neutral term that identifies a group of people sharing common cultural, national, or religious traits. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. While widely applicable, it's crucial to use the term with sensitivity and specificity, avoiding generalizations and stereotypes. Distinguishing ethnicity from nationality and understanding the nuances of related terms like "minority group" helps ensure accurate and respectful communication. The phrase appears most frequently in news media and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultural community

Emphasizes the shared cultural aspects rather than the national or racial aspects of the group.

ethnolinguistic group

Specifically indicates a group defined by both ethnicity and language.

racial grouping

Highlights the racial component, which may be part of the group's identity, but doesn't cover cultural aspects.

population with shared heritage

Highlights the common cultural and historical background of the group.

people of common ancestry

Focuses on the shared lineage and heritage of the group.

community with distinct traditions

Emphasizes unique customs and practices.

cultural subset

Positions the group as a smaller part of a larger cultural entity.

nation

Implies a larger, often politically defined group with shared identity and territory. The term may also refer to a tribe or people.

tribe

Often refers to smaller, indigenous groups with strong kinship ties and a shared culture.

cultural minority

Highlights the group's smaller size and potential marginalization within a larger society.

FAQs

How is "ethnic group" different from race?

"Race" is often associated with physical characteristics, while "ethnic group" encompasses shared cultural, ancestral, and social experiences. Ethnicity is a broader concept that includes cultural heritage and identity.

What are some examples of different ethnic groups?

Examples include Italian-Americans, Rohingya, and Akan. Each group has its own distinct cultural traditions, languages, and historical experiences.

Is it appropriate to ask someone about their ethnic group?

It depends on the context. In some situations, such as research or medical settings, it may be relevant. However, be mindful of potential sensitivities and avoid asking if it's not necessary or could be perceived as discriminatory.

What's the difference between an "ethnic group" and a "minority group"?

An "ethnic group" refers to a group of people who share a common cultural heritage. A "minority group", on the other hand, is a group that is smaller in number than the dominant group in a society and may face discrimination.