immigrants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immigrants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals who move to a country to live there permanently or for an extended period. Example: "The city has a rich history of immigrants contributing to its cultural diversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In our streets and schools, pubs and offices, people from all round the world mix perfectly happily Yet when we contemplate immigrants rather than immigration – the people rather than the phenomenon – our attitude often changes.

The Guardian - Opinion

In addition, I suspect that many of us subconsciously draw a distinction between "immigration" as a phenomenon and "immigrants" as people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, was a driver behind comprehensive immigration reform that faltered in Congress but has since retreated from that position.

The Guardian

Since the premiership of John Howard in the 1990s – "We will decide who comes into this country" – opposition to illegal immigration and the detention of illegal immigrants are political no-brainers in Australia.

The Guardian - Opinion

With immigrants as people, as distinct with immigration as a shorthand for a broad sense of happiness with today's Britain, familiarity usually breeds content, not contempt.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Monday, the prime minister will make a keynote speech on immigration, expected to focus more on restricting access to public services for immigrants.

The Guardian

On immigration, the author writes that the prime minister "recommends internment camps for illegal immigrants and states they should be forced to work".

The Guardian

"The real effect of this speech will be to further increase the intolerance and the hostile reception that immigrants are facing from some sections of society".

The New York Times

Most immigrants contribute to society, most want to become good British citizens and most strike me as more like us with every rainy day that passes.

The Guardian

"Huma represents what is best about America – the daughter of immigrants, who has risen to the highest levels of our government on the basis of her substantial personal merit and her abiding commitment to the American ideals that she embodies so fully.

The Guardian

So next time you hear someone mouthing off about bloody immigrants, ask how many kids they have, how old they were when they had them and whether or not they expect those children to look after them when they get seriously old.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use respectful and inclusive language when discussing "immigrants", avoiding terms that may be perceived as offensive or dehumanizing.

Common error

Avoid associating "immigrants" with criminal activity without specific evidence. Such associations can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to discrimination.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "immigrants" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple individuals who have moved to a new country to settle there. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Opinion

25%

Politics

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "immigrants" refers to people who have moved to a new country to live there. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and general usability in English writing. As a plural noun, it functions primarily to identify and categorize groups of people based on their migration status. While generally neutral, the term's formality can shift depending on the context. Usage is very common, particularly in News & Media, Opinion pieces and political discussions. When writing about "immigrants", it's essential to be specific, inclusive and avoid harmful stereotypes. Related terms include "new arrivals", "foreign-born residents" and "migrant workers", each carrying slightly different nuances. Be mindful of the potential for misconstruing immigration with criminality, and choose your words carefully to foster respectful and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

new arrivals

Focuses on the recentness of their arrival.

newcomers to the country

General term emphasizing their newness to the country.

foreign-born residents

Highlights their origin in another country and their current residency.

migrant workers

Emphasizes their status as workers who have moved for employment.

aliens

A legal term for non-citizens.

settlers

Implies a more permanent establishment in a new region.

transplants

Informal term suggesting relocation and integration into a new environment.

émigrés

Refers to people who have left their native country, often for political reasons.

refugees

Specifically denotes individuals who have fled their home country due to war or persecution.

asylum seekers

Refers to individuals who are seeking international protection.

FAQs

How can I use "immigrants" in a sentence?

You can use "immigrants" to refer to people who come to a country to live there. For example, "The city has a large population of immigrants from various countries."

What is a more neutral term for "immigrants"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "new arrivals", "newcomers", or "foreign-born residents" to maintain a neutral tone.

What is the difference between "immigrants" and "migrants"?

"Immigrants" typically refers to individuals who intend to settle permanently in a new country, while "migrants" can refer to anyone who moves from one place to another, whether temporarily or permanently.

Is it appropriate to use the term "illegal immigrants"?

It is generally considered more respectful and accurate to use terms like "undocumented immigrants" or "unauthorized immigrants" when referring to individuals residing in a country without legal permission.