grassroots movements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grassroots movements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to social or political movements that originate from the community level, often driven by ordinary people rather than established institutions. Example: "The grassroots movements advocating for climate change awareness have gained significant traction in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Grassroots movements aren't easy to organise," says Mr Joy.

The Economist

Grassroots movements to boycott Indonesian tourist spots and products are growing.

The Guardian

It describes itself as a "voice for action" that organizes grassroots movements on global health issues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So if such reform is to happen, it will have to be driven by grassroots movements.

The New York Times

Their aim is to lead grassroots movements that have the power to upend an oligarchic establishment.

Independent

It's from such grassroots movements that Tariq Ali hopes that the extreme centre will be destroyed.

The Guardian

Governments need to reconnect with grassroots movements to secure a better future.

The Guardian

Keeping with the democratic voting institutions that define our country, write-ins will be allowed, and grassroots movements rewarded.

The New York Times

This is how politics works these days: astroturf groups (fake grassroots movements) and undisclosed interests are everywhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only immediate hope lies with grassroots movements – and the one bright ray is that these are spreading.

The Guardian - Opinion

How can we be sure that these grassroots movements are not also being targeted by the state?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Contextualize the specific goals and impacts of "grassroots movements" to provide concrete examples of their effectiveness. Mentioning specific achievements or changes they've influenced adds credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid mislabeling artificial or corporate-sponsored initiatives as genuine "grassroots movements". Ensure the movement genuinely originates from and is driven by the community it claims to represent, and not by hidden interests or organizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grassroots movements" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, indicating it fits seamlessly within standard English grammar. Examples show it describing the agency behind social and political changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grassroots movements" is a frequently used and grammatically correct term denoting community-driven initiatives for social or political change, as confirmed by Ludwig. It emphasizes that the driving force comes from ordinary people at the local level, not top-down directives. While versatile, it is essential to differentiate genuine "grassroots movements" from 'astroturf' movements that are disguised as community-driven but are, in fact, backed by corporate or political entities. Alternatives include "community initiatives" and "bottom-up activism". The frequency and authoritative sources, like The Guardian and The New York Times, underscore its significance in various domains, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grassroots campaigns

A more action-oriented, time-bound effort at the local level.

community activism

Broader term encompassing various forms of community involvement and action.

community-based initiatives

Focuses on the local, community-driven aspect of the efforts.

bottom-up activism

Highlights the origin of the movement from the ground level.

citizen-led campaigns

Emphasizes the role of ordinary citizens in driving the campaign.

popular uprisings

Suggests a more spontaneous and potentially disruptive form of movement.

populist movements

Highlights the appeal to ordinary people and often contrasts with elite interests.

local advocacy groups

Indicates organized groups focused on local issues.

people-powered movements

Highlights the collective effort and strength of the people involved.

member-driven organizations

Implies a formal structure where members have significant influence.

FAQs

How do I use "grassroots movements" in a sentence?

"Grassroots movements" are typically described as driving forces for social or political change, originating from local communities. For example, "The environmental bill gained traction thanks to dedicated "grassroots movements"".

What's the difference between "grassroots movements" and "community activism"?

"Grassroots movements" usually imply a more organized effort toward a specific goal, whereas "community activism" can encompass a broader range of activities aimed at improving the community.

What are some examples of successful "grassroots movements"?

Examples include the Civil Rights Movement, which was driven by local activists and community members, and various environmental campaigns that started at the local level and gained national attention.

What can I say instead of "grassroots movements"?

You can use alternatives like "community initiatives", "bottom-up activism", or "citizen-led campaigns" depending on the specific context.