good citizen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good citizen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is an example of good behavior and who follows the rules and laws of a country. For example, "John was a good citizen who always voted in local elections and volunteered in his community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He's a very good citizen".

The New York Times

He's been a good citizen.

The New York Times - Sports

Good citizen, all around".

The New York Times

A good citizen is a good citizen is a good citizen, regardless of age, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

The New York Times - Sports

I guess that's being a good citizen.

The Guardian - Film

DW: So he's just a good citizen.

The Guardian - Film

It's people saying, 'Be a good citizen in your community.' ".

The New York Times

Of course you have, like a good citizen.

Independent

There is nothing "glamorous" about being a good citizen.

The New York Times

But I've been respectable, and I've been a good citizen.

The New York Times

This is what a good citizen is supposed to do".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizations or businesses, use "good citizen" to convey their commitment to ethical practices, community involvement, and social responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "good citizen" in overly abstract or vague contexts without specific examples or actions to support the claim. Ensure that the phrase is backed by concrete evidence of positive contributions or responsible behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good citizen" functions as a noun phrase complement or appositive, often used to describe or characterize an individual or entity demonstrating exemplary civic behavior. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it serves to commend positive actions within a community.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good citizen" is a common descriptor used to commend individuals or entities for their positive contributions to society. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and is widely understood. Related phrases like "responsible resident" and "upstanding member of society" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. To ensure effective communication, it's best to use "good citizen" with specific examples of commendable behavior and avoid overly abstract contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Contributing member of the community

Focuses on the individual's active role in supporting and improving the community.

Upstanding member of society

Highlights the individual's moral character and contribution to societal norms.

Civically engaged person

Emphasizes active participation in community affairs and governance.

Community-minded individual

Highlights the person's focus on contributing to their local community.

Responsible resident

Focuses on the individual's accountability and positive impact within their place of residence.

Socially responsible person

Highlights the ethical considerations and impact of the individual's actions on society.

Public-spirited person

Stresses the individual's dedication to the welfare of the general public.

Law-abiding individual

Emphasizes adherence to legal standards and regulations.

Good neighbor

Emphasizes positive local relationships and helpfulness within a neighborhood.

Conscientious inhabitant

Highlights the individual's diligence and concern for their environment and fellow inhabitants.

FAQs

How can I use "good citizen" in a sentence?

You can use "good citizen" to describe someone who is responsible, law-abiding, and contributes positively to their community. For example: "He was a "good citizen" who always volunteered his time."

What are some synonyms for "good citizen"?

Alternatives include "responsible resident", "law-abiding individual", or "upstanding member of society", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

What distinguishes a "good citizen" from an "ethical person"?

While both terms denote positive qualities, a "good citizen" typically refers to someone who fulfills their civic duties and obeys laws, whereas an "ethical person" demonstrates strong moral principles and integrity, which may extend beyond legal requirements.

Is there a difference between being a "good citizen" and a "loyal subject"?

The term "good citizen" is generally used in democracies and emphasizes civic participation and responsibility. The term "loyal subject" is more commonly used in monarchies and emphasizes allegiance to the monarch and the state.