fellow countryman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fellow countryman" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is from the same country as you. For example, "As a fellow countryman of mine put it, 'our people have lived in this area for generations.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What did McDowell say to his fellow countryman?

The New York Times

His fellow countryman belongs firmly with his readers.

The Economist

Fellow countryman Leonardo employed him on the wing in the Champions League after his eventual arrival.

Independent

Only Dr't Hooft, a fellow countryman of Dr Veltman, has cleaved to his native land.

The Economist

Unfortunately for United, the Bulgarian's well-struck effort flew straight at his fellow countryman Dimitar Ivankov.

Independent

The word patriot began as a neutral term, meaning fellow countryman.

The New York Times

As the game went on, Slimani's fellow countryman particularly felt the benefit.

The Guardian - Sport

The current French president, Jacques Chirac, campaigned hard for his fellow countryman.

The Guardian

He took silver in 9.85sec with Bolt's fellow countryman Nesta Carter taking bronze in 9.95 sec.

The Guardian - Sport

In the last field he created an alternative to the theory of his fellow countryman Julius Dedekind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For some - Rafael's fellow countryman Anderson and maybe even twin brother Fabio - it already appears too late.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fellow countryman" to emphasize a sense of shared identity, origin, or camaraderie, especially when highlighting a common background in a specific context.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, using "fellow countryman" repeatedly can sound repetitive or overly sentimental in formal documents. Consider using more neutral terms like "citizen" or "national" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fellow countryman" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as an appositive or a modifier to identify someone who shares the same nationality. Ludwig confirms that this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fellow countryman" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote someone sharing the same nationality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, media and encyclopedias. While expressing camaraderie, it is important to consider the level of formality required by the setting, with alternatives like "compatriot" being more appropriate for formal documents. Be mindful of potential overuse and strive for conciseness by choosing alternative phrasing where suitable. Best practice is to use "fellow countryman" to evoke a sense of shared nationality and belonging, while being careful of overuse in professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

countryman

A slightly less formal alternative, omitting the 'fellow'.

compatriot

A more formal and concise synonym, often used in official or literary contexts.

fellow citizen

Emphasizes the shared rights and responsibilities within a country, focusing on civic identity.

native of the same nation

Highlights the shared origin and birth within a country.

national

A general term indicating belonging to a particular nation, without the sense of camaraderie.

person from the same country

A plain and direct way of expressing the same relationship.

member of the same nation

A more descriptive phrase, suitable when directness is preferred.

one's own people

Highlights a sense of cultural or ethnic unity within a nation.

son/daughter of the same land

Evokes a poetic or patriotic feeling of shared origin.

one of us

An informal term suggesting shared identity and belonging.

FAQs

How can I use "fellow countryman" in a sentence?

You can use "fellow countryman" to refer to someone who shares the same nationality as you. For example, "My "fellow countryman" and I bonded over our shared love for our home country."

What's a more formal alternative to "fellow countryman"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "compatriot" or "fellow citizen".

Is it always appropriate to use "fellow countryman"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or professional settings, a more neutral term like "national" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "fellow countryman" and "countryman"?

The addition of "fellow" in ""fellow countryman"" emphasizes a sense of camaraderie and shared identity, making it a warmer expression than simply "countryman".