foreign aid

USAGE SUMMARY

'foreign aid' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to government assistance that is given to another country, typically in the form of financial or other resources. For example, "The United States has provided millions of dollars in foreign aid to help fight the spread of the virus in other countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Foreign aid? Education?

The Guardian

Foreign aid brings some respite.

The Economist

How effective is foreign aid?

The Economist

Foreign aid is drying up.

The Economist

The opposition requires foreign aid.

The New York Times

I'll start with foreign aid.

The Guardian

Foreign aid has also helped.

The Economist

Foreign aid is badly misunderstood.

The New York Times

American foreign aid?

The New York Times

Cut foreign aid?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It has expelled foreign aid-workers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "foreign aid", be specific about the type of aid, the recipient country, and the goals it aims to achieve for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "foreign aid" interchangeably with terms like 'foreign investment' or 'charitable donations'. "Foreign aid" specifically refers to government-funded assistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign aid" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the transfer of resources from one country to another. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreign aid" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to assistance provided by one country to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "international assistance" and "development assistance" exist, "foreign aid" remains a standard term for describing government-funded assistance programs. Common errors involve confusing it with other forms of international support, such as foreign investment. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "foreign aid" ensures clear and effective communication in discussions about global development and international relations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreign assistance

A more general term, synonymous with "foreign aid".

international assistance

Focuses on the global aspect of aid, emphasizing collaboration between nations.

development assistance

Highlights the purpose of the aid being to foster development in the recipient country.

overseas development aid

Specifies that the aid is directed towards development efforts in countries overseas.

economic assistance

Emphasizes the financial aspect of the aid provided.

humanitarian aid

Focuses on aid provided in response to humanitarian crises.

financial assistance

Similar to economic assistance, but may encompass a broader range of financial support.

aid program

Refers to a specific planned initiative to deliver assistance.

bilateral aid

Implies that aid is being provided directly from one country to another.

multilateral aid

Highlights that aid is channeled through international organizations.

FAQs

How is "foreign aid" typically used in a sentence?

You can use "foreign aid" to describe the act of providing assistance: "The country provides significant "foreign aid" to developing nations." It can also refer to specific programs: "The "foreign aid" program focuses on improving healthcare."

What are some alternatives to "foreign aid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "international assistance", "development assistance", or "humanitarian aid".

Is it correct to say "foreign aids" instead of "foreign aid"?

No, "foreign aid" is generally used as an uncountable noun, so the plural form "foreign aids" is not typically used. The term refers to the concept or system of aid, rather than individual instances.

What's the difference between "foreign aid" and "foreign investment"?

"Foreign aid" refers to government-funded assistance provided to other countries, often with the goal of development or humanitarian relief. "Foreign investment", on the other hand, involves private companies or individuals investing capital in foreign businesses or projects for profit.