fellow citizen

USAGE SUMMARY

"fellow citizen" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to people who share the same nationality or are part of the same political body. For example, you could say: "My fellow citizens, I urge you to exercise your right to vote in the upcoming election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

This opportunity may soon be yours, fellow citizen.

The Guardian - Business

Some expressed sadness at the desperation of a fellow citizen, but also anger.

The New York Times

This apparently was how his contemporaries in Stratford-upon-Avon wished their fellow citizen to be remembered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When it is in our power to aid a fellow citizen, we have always done what it takes.

The New York Times

And as a fellow citizen, not as an ex-president, but as a fellow citizen, I am here to deliver a simple message, and that is that you need to vote because our democracy depends on it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moreover, the voice of your fellow citizen should always be worth slowing down to hear for a moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

People who have trained preposterously hard to perform wild feats of strength and grace walk into a stadium, alongside their fellow citizen-athletes.

The New Yorker

O.K., fellow citizens.

The New York Times

Fellow citizens become caricatures.

The New York Times

"My fellow citizens.

The Guardian

— President Bill Clinton December 16 , 1998"My fellow citizens.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fellow citizen" to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility, especially in political speeches, public addresses, or discussions about civic duties.

Common error

Avoid using "fellow citizen" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "neighbor" or "member of the community" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fellow citizen" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used in direct address or as a descriptor to emphasize shared national or civic identity. It evokes a sense of unity and shared responsibility, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fellow citizen" is a noun phrase used to foster a sense of shared national or civic identity. It functions to appeal to common ground and promote unity within a community. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct, with a tendency towards neutrality, commonly found in News & Media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While useful for promoting collective action and shared values, its formality should be considered, and it should be avoided in casual conversations. Alternative phrases such as "compatriot" or "member of society" may be more appropriate in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compatriot

Emphasizes shared nationality or country of origin.

fellow countryman

Highlights shared national identity and origin.

member of society

Focuses on belonging to a broader social group.

national

Refers directly to a person's legal membership in a country.

taxpayer

Highlights the shared responsibility of funding public services.

constituent

Relates to being represented by an elected official.

neighbor

Emphasizes a sense of local community and shared space.

member of the community

Broader sense of belonging that can extend beyond national borders.

inhabitant

Simply refers to someone who lives in a particular place.

resident

Implies a more settled or permanent connection to a place.

FAQs

How is "fellow citizen" used in a sentence?

"Fellow citizen" is used to address someone with whom you share a nationality or civic identity, as in, "As a "fellow citizen", I urge you to vote." It can also be used to describe someone who shares that identity, for instance, "He is a "fellow citizen" of this country."

What phrases can I use instead of "fellow citizen"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "compatriot", "fellow countryman", or "member of society". Each carries a slightly different nuance, focusing on nationality, origin, or broader social belonging.

When is it appropriate to use the term "fellow citizen"?

It's appropriate to use "fellow citizen" in formal settings, political speeches, or when discussing civic responsibilities. It's particularly effective when aiming to create a sense of unity and shared identity among people of the same nation.

Is "fellow citizen" interchangeable with "resident" or "inhabitant"?

While "resident" and "inhabitant" refer to someone living in a particular place, "fellow citizen" specifically denotes shared national or civic identity. They are not always interchangeable; use "fellow citizen" when emphasizing shared citizenship, not just physical location.