mixed race

USAGE SUMMARY

"mixed race" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person of more than one racial background, such as a person of both Asian and European descent. For example: "She was a vibrant woman of mixed race who had embraced both her Asian and European heritage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Non-Maya soldiers were a mix of Spanish, mestizos (mixed race Spanish and native) and mulattos (mixed race Spanish and black).

Wikipedia

Mixed race?

Independent

Judge is mixed race.

The Guardian

He was mixed race.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm mixed race".

The New York Times

Gareth was mixed race.

The Guardian

He's mixed race, after all.

The Guardian

They were mixed race, effectively.

The Guardian - Books

There are also Zimbabweans of mixed race.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its protagonist, Frado, is of mixed race.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For ethnicity, mixed race was an option.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's background, provide specific details about their racial heritage to avoid generalizations and promote understanding.

Common error

Avoid making assumptions about a person's identity, experiences, or cultural background based solely on their "mixed race" status. Recognize and respect individual diversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mixed race" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "mixed race child", "mixed race heritage"). It describes individuals with ancestry from multiple racial groups. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mixed race" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term used to describe individuals with ancestry from multiple racial backgrounds. Ludwig AI’s analysis, based on numerous examples from reliable sources, shows that while the phrase is generally neutral, it is essential to use it with sensitivity and awareness of individual preferences for self-identification. Common contexts include news, encyclopedias and academia. When writing, it is important to avoid generalizations and acknowledge the individual's specific background.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Multiracial

Indicates a person composed of multiple races; often used interchangeably.

Biracial

Specifically refers to a person of two races.

Of mixed heritage

Focuses on the ancestral background rather than race.

Multiethnic

Highlights the combination of multiple ethnicities.

Dual heritage

Emphasizes the two-fold nature of someone's background.

Cross-racial

Describes interactions or relationships across racial lines.

Interracial

Indicates relationships or families with members of different races.

Of diverse ancestry

Broadly refers to a background with a variety of ancestral origins.

Partially of [race]

Highlights that someone is partly of a specific race.

Having a blended background

Describes the merging of different backgrounds.

FAQs

How do I appropriately use "mixed race" in a sentence?

Use "mixed race" to describe a person with ancestry from multiple racial backgrounds. For example, "She identifies as "mixed race" and embraces all aspects of her heritage."

What are some alternatives to the term "mixed race"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "multiracial", "biracial", or "of mixed heritage". Choose the term that best reflects the individual's self-identification and the specific context.

Is it better to say "mixed race" or "biracial"?

The choice between "mixed race" and "biracial" depends on the individual's background and preference. "Biracial" specifically refers to two races, while "mixed race" can encompass more than two. Always prioritize the individual's preferred term.

Why is it important to be sensitive when discussing someone's racial background?

Racial identity is deeply personal, and using respectful and accurate language is crucial. Avoid making assumptions, and always prioritize the individual's self-identified term, such as "multiracial", when available.