indian

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The word 'Indian' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or people from the geographic region of the Indian subcontinent. For example, "I am an Indian living in the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Malala won along with Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian children's rights activist.

The Guardian

But researchers warn the UK is too dependent on China for its international numbers, and that it is losing out on Indian students.

The Guardian

Narula is the son of billionaire Indian construction magnate Harpinder Singh Narula, and his startup employs 50 people recruited from Google, Facebook, Goldman Sachs and games studios Lionhead and Ubisoft.

The Guardian - Tech

It also should be positive for sentiment because it would allow investors to focus on the Indian operations where the news around price increases has been encouraging.

The Guardian - Business

These figures should come as no surprise; people from Indian backgrounds have in general terms had success in Britain, with high educational outcomes, low unemployment and relatively high average incomes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Founded in the 1980s, HUM sent members to fight in Afghanistan alongside the Taliban and against Indian security forces in the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir in the 1990s.

The Guardian

Malala Yousafzai, the teenage Pakistani education campaigner shot on a school bus in 2012 by a Taliban gunman, and Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian children's rights activist.

The Guardian

A taxi driver contracted to international online cab firm Uber and detained on charges of raping a female passenger last weekend in the Indian capital Delhi is a serial sexual offender with dozens of criminal complaints registered against him, local media have claimed.

The Guardian

In the curry recipe below, Indian spices just play footmen to these local ingredients.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each apartment is individually designed – one is decorated like an Indian boudoir (sleeps up to four), another has an oriental feel with Japanese "shoji" sliding doors (sleeps up to six), while the penthouse has its own roof garden (sleeps up to nine).

The Guardian - Travel

There are about 120 of us doing the Gujarat retreat, all but 10 of whom are Indian.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to people, ensure you're using "indian" in a way that is respectful and accurate. Consider whether "indian citizen" or "person of indian descent" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Be mindful of historical contexts. The term "indian" can be problematic when referring to indigenous peoples of the Americas. Use "native american" or specify the tribal affiliation instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "indian" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate origin, style, or relation to India. It can also function as a noun, referring to a person from India. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

17%

Less common in

Sport

6%

Opinion

5%

Film

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "indian" is widely used as both an adjective and a noun, primarily referring to people, things, or concepts originating from India. While generally acceptable, sensitivity is crucial, especially when referring to people. Consider using more specific and respectful alternatives like "indian citizen" or "person of indian descent" when appropriate. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms the word's prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle. Understanding the nuanced usage of "indian" ensures clear and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from India

Focuses on the origin rather than directly describing someone or something as "indian".

of Indian origin

Emphasizes heritage or ancestry.

Indian descent

Similar to "of Indian origin" but slightly more formal.

native to India

Highlights the natural habitat or original location.

Indian heritage

Highlights the cultural background.

Indian-made

Specifies the place of manufacture or creation.

Indian national

Specifies citizenship.

from the country of India

Emphasizes the geographical location.

of the Indian subcontinent

More geographically specific.

pertaining to India

More formal and less common way of saying "related to India".

FAQs

How can I use "indian" in a sentence?

You can use "indian" as an adjective to describe something related to India, such as "indian cuisine". It can also refer to a person from India, though it's often more respectful to say "indian citizen" or "person of indian descent".

What's the difference between "indian" and "native american"?

"Indian" primarily refers to people or things from India, while "Native American" refers to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Using "indian" to refer to Native Americans can be offensive.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "indian" to describe someone from India?

While generally acceptable, it's often more respectful and precise to use phrases like "indian citizen" or "person of indian descent". This avoids potential ambiguity and shows consideration for individual identity.

What are some common phrases that include the word "indian"?

Common phrases include "indian cuisine", "indian culture", "indian music", and "indian film industry" (Bollywood). Always ensure the context is clear and respectful when using these phrases.