expel people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expel people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals are being removed or dismissed from a group, organization, or location, often due to rule violations or misconduct. Example: "The school had no choice but to expel people who repeatedly broke the code of conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Or they would expel people who were heretics.

The New Yorker

Mr Maroni insisted that the main aim, to make clandestine immigration illegal, allowing judges to expel people quickly, remained.

The Economist

Although the church can "disfellowship" – expel – people for minor offences, A says her abuser was allowed to remain.

The Guardian

They range from on-the-spot fines to "dispersal orders", which can be used to expel people from designated areas, to ASBOs.

The Economist

In Arizona, voters recoiling from anti-immigrant stridency recalled the State Senate's president, Russell Pearce, who was the main sponsor and public face of Arizona's immigration law, which imposed sweeping police-state powers to harass and expel people without papers.

The New York Times

The Knicks, who may have grown accustomed to abuse over a couple of dismal seasons, had little to say on the matter, except to insist that it was not their policy to expel people for holding up such signs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He shrugs: "Expelling people is something that's been going on for a long time".

Independent

"Charter flights are a way of expelling people en masse, where nobody can hear you scream.

The Guardian

In response, the Serbian government began a crackdown on the Kosovar Albanian population, raiding villages and expelling people from their homes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If you're not expelling people who are committing rape, as was the case with my friends' assailants, that means those men are still around," she said.

The New York Times

But today, rather than a space for including people from many diverse backgrounds and cultures, our global cities are expelling people and diversity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expel people", consider the specific context. It often implies a formal or authoritative removal, so ensure it aligns with the situation you're describing. If the removal is informal, consider using alternatives like "remove individuals".

Common error

Avoid using "expel people" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is often too formal for everyday situations; consider alternatives such as "kick out" or "ask to leave".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expel people" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It describes the act of forcing individuals out of a particular place, group, or organization. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expel people" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of forcing individuals out of a place, group, or organization. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is accurate and widespread across various contexts, with a primary focus on news and media. While generally neutral, it often carries a formal tone, implying an authoritative action. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific context to ensure accurate conveyance of the intended meaning, such as the formal "deport people" or the more forceful "oust individuals".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove individuals

A more general term for taking someone away from a place or group.

deport people

Specifically refers to the legal removal of non-citizens from a country.

oust individuals

Refers to removing someone from a position of power or influence.

banish individuals

Suggests a more formal or permanent expulsion, often with legal or social implications.

eject people

Implies a sudden or forceful removal.

evict people

Focuses on removing people from a property or dwelling.

exclude individuals

Emphasizes preventing people from entering or participating.

dismiss people

Often used in the context of employment, meaning to fire or lay off.

displace people

Indicates forcing people to leave their homes or usual locations, often due to conflict or disaster.

discharge people

Can refer to releasing someone from a duty, obligation, or institution.

FAQs

How can I use "expel people" in a sentence?

You can use "expel people" in sentences like, "The university decided to "expel people" who violated the academic integrity policy" or "The government has the power to "expel people" who are deemed a threat to national security".

What are some alternatives to "expel people"?

Alternatives to "expel people" include "deport people", "oust individuals", "banish individuals", or "remove individuals", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "expel people" instead of "remove people"?

"Expel people" implies a formal or authoritative removal from a group, organization, or location. "Remove people", on the other hand, is a more general term and doesn't necessarily imply a formal process or authority. Thus, if there is a formal procedure use "expel people", otherwise choose "remove people".

What's the difference between "expel people" and "deport people"?

"Expel people" is a general term for forcing people out of a place or organization. "Deport people" specifically refers to the legal process of removing non-citizens from a country back to their country of origin.