expatriates

USAGE SUMMARY

"expatriates" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to people who have left their own country to live in another. For example, "These expatriates moved to South America for a better quality of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More than 2,700 Omanis replaced expatriates working in the public sector between 2011 and 2013.

The Guardian

Australia provided me with the myriad opportunities that only a civilised, democratic meritocracy is able to offer the child of migrant expatriates.

The Guardian - Opinion

The CAAT urged Prince Andrew to withdraw from the expatriates event.

The Guardian

In 2012, Khojah said, more than 2 million expatriates underwent the gender tests.

The Guardian

In contrast, after six years of economic reform in India, expatriates' investment in local markets and businesses remains tiny.

The Economist

Pakistan's reserves have now risen again to over $1 billion (see chart).But if Mr Sharif is to turn the economy round, he will have to do more than rely on the patriotism of expatriates.

The Economist

Expatriates are keeping international removals firms in business like never before: 44% of the multinational companies surveyed had increased the number of international assignments that they had sent people on over the past two years.These expats, however, were not traditional in at least two important respects.

The Economist

The large number of British expatriates in places such as Amsterdam and southern Spain gives cover to British criminals.

The Economist

In 1991 the Indian government sold similar bonds to expatriates to claw its way out of a balance-of-payments crisis.

The Economist

These deals appear to value it at about $1.3 billion, which could well make it South-East Asia's dearest technology firm.Like other Rocket companies, Lazada is run by a gaggle of young European expatriates, plucked from finance and consulting.

The Economist

And foreign portfolio investors have turned net sellers of Indian shares this year.The government hopes to sell around $2 billion of bonds to expatriates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "expatriates", consider the specific context. Are they working abroad, retired, or seeking a new life? This will help you choose the most accurate and appropriate language.

Common error

Avoid using "expatriates" and "immigrants" interchangeably. "Expatriates" often implies a temporary or work-related stay, while "immigrants" suggests a more permanent relocation. Be precise in your word choice to reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The term "expatriates" functions primarily as a noun, denoting individuals residing in a country other than their native one. As supported by Ludwig AI, this noun is commonly used to refer to individuals temporarily or permanently living abroad.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "expatriates" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that refers to individuals residing outside their native country. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While generally neutral in tone, context is important: avoid using "expatriates" and "immigrants" interchangeably, as the former often implies a temporary stay. The term is very common in news and business contexts, as highlighted by sources like The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

international assignees

Refers to individuals on international assignments, often corporate.

foreign residents

Focuses on residency status in a foreign country.

émigrés

Similar in meaning, often used in historical contexts or referring to political reasons for leaving.

overseas workers

Emphasizes the work aspect of living abroad.

transnational residents

Emphasizes residency across national borders.

citizens abroad

Highlights the citizenship status while living outside the country.

resident aliens

A legal term referring to non-citizens living in a country.

migrant workers

Focuses on migration for employment purposes.

global nomads

Highlights a lifestyle of frequent relocation across countries.

immigrants

Focuses on the act of immigrating to a new country, often with the intent of permanent residency.

FAQs

How do you use "expatriates" in a sentence?

You can use "expatriates" to refer to people living temporarily or permanently outside of their native country. For example, "Many American "expatriates" live in Europe for work or leisure."

What is a synonym for "expatriates"?

While the words are not directly interchangeable, synonyms or related terms include "foreign residents", "overseas workers", and "citizens abroad". The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "expatriates" and "immigrants"?

"Expatriates" typically refer to individuals living abroad temporarily, often for work, while "immigrants" intend to establish permanent residency in a new country. The distinction lies primarily in their intent and duration of stay.

Is it correct to use "expatriates" when referring to someone who has permanently left their home country?

While "expatriates" can sometimes be used for those who have permanently left, "immigrants" is generally more appropriate in that context, as it specifically denotes the intention of permanent relocation.