foreign lands

USAGE SUMMARY

"foreign lands" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can generally be used to refer to places, typically countries, that are outside the one in which the speaker or writer is currently located. For example, "My grandfather always dreamed of visiting foreign lands and experiencing new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both books take up travel and the situation of the foreigner in foreign lands.

The New Yorker

Visited foreign lands.

The Guardian - Opinion

and Death in Foreign Lands.

The New York Times - Books

And the grass bids me welcome from foreign lands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They want to and can visit foreign lands.

The New York Times - Sports

At any rate, he is visiting foreign lands.

The New York Times - Sports

"I work around the world to see the glittering nighttime skies of foreign lands," he wrote.

The New York Times

Nor do his accounts contain many insights on foreign lands or people.

The New York Times - Travel

Another 20m live in foreign lands as refugees from natural disasters or political oppression.

The Economist

Envoy documents indicate that the islands reside inside the "border that separates Chinese and foreign lands".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I felt like a foreigner in a foreign land.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing geopolitical issues, consider using more specific and neutral terms like "international territories" or "overseas countries" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "foreign lands" in highly formal or technical documents where a more precise term such as "international territories" or specific country names would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign lands" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to countries or territories that are not one's own. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreign lands" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote countries or territories that are not one's own. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for written English. Its frequency is very common, primarily appearing in news and media, encyclopedia, and academic sources. While generally neutral in register, be mindful of more precise alternatives like "international territories" in formal contexts. When aiming for clarity and specificity, avoid overuse in technical documents by naming the countries. By following the guidelines and recommendations above, you can use "foreign lands" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overseas countries

Focuses specifically on countries located across the sea, emphasizing geographical separation.

international territories

Highlights the global aspect and political status of the lands.

alien territories

Emphasizes the unfamiliar or strange nature of the lands.

distant lands

Underscores the remoteness and far-off location of these places.

uncharted territories

Suggests that the lands are unexplored or unknown.

exotic locations

Highlights the allure and unusual nature of the places.

faraway places

Simple alternative emphasizing distance and remoteness.

lands abroad

Highlights that the lands are simply located outside of one's home country.

terra incognita

More formal and literary term meaning unknown or unexplored land.

across borders

Focuses on the act of crossing national borders and entering other countries.

FAQs

How can I use "foreign lands" in a sentence?

You can use "foreign lands" to describe travel experiences, cultural studies, or geopolitical scenarios. For example, "Many people dream of exploring "distant lands" and experiencing new cultures."

What are some alternatives to using "foreign lands"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "overseas countries", "international territories", or "alien territories".

Is it correct to say "foreign land" instead of "foreign lands"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "foreign land" refers to a singular, unspecified country, while "foreign lands" refers to multiple countries or territories. Choose the one that fits your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "foreign lands" and "exotic locations"?

"Foreign lands" is a general term for countries or territories outside of one's own, while "exotic locations" suggests places that are particularly unusual, exciting, or culturally different. The term that fits better depends on the context.