locals

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "locals" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who live in a certain area or place. For example: The locals in this town know all the best places to eat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Figures including the Yekaterinburg mayor, Yevgeny Roizman, have criticised the punishment given to the Novorossiysk women and Facebook users have expressed their support for the women by posting photographs of locals swimming, sunbathing and drinking alcohol on the beach next to the monument.

The Guardian

But while locals that are savvy enough to jump ship can prosper, those wedded to the traditional pastoral life are pushed into deep poverty.

The Guardian

What makes Qeshm different from Kish, known throughout Iran as a shoppers' haven, is that many locals own stores and malls.

The Guardian

On the outside it looks like a small, old-world liquor store, but forget yourself, walk right behind the counter, take a seat in the front room or the hallway (complete with discrete exit to a side street), knock back some drinks and chat with owner Dilip and the locals.

The Guardian - Travel

Now 75 years old, the restaurant attracts celebrities, politicians and well-heeled locals, though it's far from fancy.

The Guardian - Travel

Nine militants died in clashes against the locals, who were armed with clubs, machetes and bows and arrows.

The Guardian

Motorbikes weave between the large mining trucks and NGO vehicles, as locals make their way to the huge market; the airstrip is in the middle of the town, making for some scary landings.

The Guardian

The novel explores the dilemmas facing locals consorting with migrants.

The Guardian - Books

Although the demonstration in Lerwick on Saturday was organised by SNP activists, locals report that the mood against Carmichael extends significantly more widely across the islands, with more events planned for this week.

The Guardian

Don't miss the local bistrot, Le Cabaret Normand, a great place to meet the locals.

The Guardian - Travel

Bakhrom Ismailov of Russia Without Racism recounted instances of discrimination against immigrants, such as locals frequently calling the police when Central Asian labourers gather for pick-up football games.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about tourism or development, use "locals" to show the impact on the people who live in the affected area. This can highlight their perspectives and experiences.

Common error

Be specific about which "locals" you are referring to. Avoid sweeping statements that assume all residents share the same views or experiences.

Linguistic Context

The word "locals" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to the inhabitants of a specific area. Ludwig examples show it used to describe people in various geographical and social contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Travel

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "locals" is a plural noun referring to the inhabitants of a particular area and is grammatically correct, according to Ludwig. It's frequently used in News & Media and Travel contexts to distinguish residents from outsiders. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid generalizations and be specific about the group being referenced, as shown by Ludwig examples. Alternatives like "residents" or "community members" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Overall, "locals" effectively emphasizes the connection between people and their place of residence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

local people

A slightly more emphatic way of saying "locals".

local residents

Replaces the noun "locals" with a noun phrase specifying residency.

residents of the town

Specifies a town as the area of residence.

community members

Broader term emphasizing belonging to a community rather than just a location.

inhabitants of the area

A more formal and descriptive way to refer to people living in a specific region.

townspeople

Refers to people who live in a town.

people in the region

Simple and direct way of stating the location of people without specific ties.

the community

Emphasizes the social aspect of living in a shared location.

native population

Focuses on the origin and history of the people in the area.

the neighborhood

Relates people based on living in the neighborhood.

FAQs

How is "locals" used in a sentence?

The term "locals" is used as a plural noun to refer to the people who live in a particular area. For example, "The "locals" were friendly and welcoming to tourists."

What's a good alternative to "locals"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "residents", "inhabitants", or "community members".

Is it more accurate to say "locals" or "local people"?

"Locals" and "local people" are often interchangeable. "Locals" is shorter and more common, while "local people" might sound slightly more descriptive. The best choice depends on the tone and style of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use the term "locals"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the connection between people and the place they live, especially when discussing tourism, community events, or local issues. Avoid using it in contexts where more specific terms like "citizens" or "residents" are more accurate or respectful.