human

USAGE SUMMARY

"human" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a member of the human species, and it can be used in any number of contexts. For example: "The human race has made tremendous advances over the centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That wish to pass something on is about the most basic, human and natural instinct there is.

The Guardian

Being able to live in a stable home is a basic human need, tied up with important feelings of choice and certainty, and we are living in a world now where only a few can hope for that, which cannot be right".

The Guardian - Business

It's a big deal what happened and Jeremy, as any human being would, needs some time out".

The Guardian

I'm a human being.

The New York Times

But a fine human being".

The Guardian

"Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that creates huge inequalities," he said at the time.

The Guardian

The relationship made it uncomfortable for the US and EU to speak out about human rights abuses in Uzbekistan.

The Guardian

Human rights organisations have raised fears that more migrants and refugees will die in their attempt to reach Europe from the north African coast.

The Guardian

"It looks like it will have been down to both human and mechanical error.

The Guardian

"We know the virus is changing quite a lot," the human geneticist Dr Anavaj Sakuntabhai told the BBC website.

The Guardian

The human rights organisations who wrote the blueprint say parliamentarians must not let that momentum fade.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, use "human" to specifically refer to the species Homo sapiens, distinguishing it from other organisms.

Common error

Avoid using "human" when a more specific term like "person", "individual", or "patient" would be more appropriate and contextually relevant. Always consider who or what you are specifically referring to.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "human" is as a noun referring to a member of the species Homo sapiens. It can also function as an adjective, describing something related to or characteristic of humans. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, "human" is a correct and usable word in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "human" is a versatile term used both as a noun and an adjective, primarily to denote members of the Homo sapiens species and their characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, with a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity and precision, consider using synonyms like "human being" or "person" depending on the specific context. Avoid overgeneralization by ensuring "human" is the most appropriate and specific term for the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human being

Synonym emphasizing the biological and individual aspect.

member of the human race

Highlights belonging to the broader species.

person

General term for an individual.

individual

Focuses on the singularity and uniqueness of a being.

mortal being

Emphasizes the finite nature of human life.

earthling

Highlights the planetary origin.

Homo sapiens

Scientific classification of the human species.

rational creature

Focuses on the capacity for reason.

thinking entity

Emphasizes cognitive abilities.

sentient being

Highlights the capacity for consciousness and feelings.

FAQs

How is the word "human" typically used in a sentence?

The word "human" is commonly used as a noun to refer to a person or as an adjective to describe something related to people. For example, "Humans are social creatures" or "human rights".

What are some synonyms for "human"?

Synonyms for "human" include "human being", "person", "individual", or "mortal being", depending on the context.

When should I use "human" versus "person"?

"Human" often emphasizes the biological or species-related aspect, while "person" typically refers to an individual with rights and responsibilities. Use "human" when referring to the species or its characteristics, and "person" when discussing individuals in a social or legal context.

What's the difference between "human" and "humane"?

"Human" is a noun or adjective referring to the species Homo sapiens. "Humane" is an adjective describing compassion, kindness, or acting in a way that reduces suffering. For example, "human nature" versus "humane treatment".