green card

USAGE SUMMARY

'green card' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a type of official identification card given to non-U.S. citizens who are allowed to live and work in the country, as in this example: "I finally got my green card, so now I'm able to work in the U.S. legally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You get your green card.

The New York Times

Tsuya had a green card.

The New Yorker

I have a green card.

The New York Times

I didn't have a green card.

The New Yorker

He has a green card.

The Washington Post

A green card isn't enough.

The New York Times

He was moving toward his green card".

The New York Times - Sports

"I need a green card," Johanna said.

The New Yorker

He still had only a green card.

The New York Times - Magazine

I applied for the green card.

The Guardian

He still doesn't have a green card.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about immigration, use "green card" in contexts where the official document itself is the focus. For discussions about legal status, consider "permanent resident status".

Common error

Avoid using "green card" interchangeably with "citizenship". A "green card" grants permanent residency, while citizenship confers additional rights and responsibilities, such as voting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "green card" functions primarily as a noun, often used as a direct object or subject in sentences. Ludwig shows that it refers specifically to the United States Permanent Resident Card, granting legal residency and work authorization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "green card" is a widely recognized term for the United States Permanent Resident Card. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun and is grammatically correct. Its high frequency and usage across varied sources, especially in news and academia, demonstrate its relevance in discussions about immigration and legal status. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by distinguishing it from citizenship. Alternatives like "permanent resident card" provide a more formal tone, while understanding the legal implications is crucial for accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permanent resident card

Replaces the common name with the official term for the immigration document.

US permanent residency

Focuses on the status conferred by the card, rather than the card itself.

immigrant visa

Specifies the type of visa that leads to permanent residency.

lawful permanent resident status

Highlights the legal status granted to the cardholder.

permission to reside in the US

Describes the primary benefit of having a green card in broader terms.

US residency permit

Uses the term 'permit' to describe the card's function.

authorization to work in the US

Focuses on the employment aspect of having a green card.

certificate of permanent residence

Offers a more formal and descriptive alternative.

United States Permanent Resident Card

Uses the full official name for formality.

documentation for legal residency

Describes the card as part of a broader documentation process.

FAQs

How do I use "green card" in a sentence?

You can use "green card" to describe someone's immigration status, as in "She obtained her "green card" after several years" or to refer to the card itself, such as "He showed his "green card" at the border".

What's another way to say "green card"?

Alternatives include "permanent resident card", which is the official term, or "US permanent residency", focusing on the status rather than the card.

What is the difference between a "green card" and citizenship?

A "green card" grants permanent residency and the right to work in the US, while citizenship provides the right to vote, hold a US passport, and other privileges not available to permanent residents.

Is it correct to say "green card holder"?

Yes, it is correct. "Green card holder" is a common and accepted term for someone who possesses a green card, indicating they have permanent resident status in the United States.