nation building

USAGE SUMMARY

"nation building" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a political context, as a way to describe the act of attempting to build a sense of unity and national identity among citizens. For example: "The new president promised to prioritize nation building in his first term."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

State and Nation Building in Central Asia.

Stanford University

"Nation building has its costs in any state".

BBC

Nation building is a "fallacy," he thinks.

The New Yorker

It's called nation building.

The New York Times - Books

What we're talking about is nation building, tribal nation building".

The New York Times

"Nation building" was a fiasco.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"It's a stepping stone for national mobilization and nation-building.

The New Yorker

Assassination, yes; nation-building, no.

The New York Times

No nation-building.

The New York Times

"He believes in nation-building".

The New York Times

Yes, this is nation-building.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nation building", consider the specific context. It can refer to post-conflict reconstruction, developing a new national identity, or strengthening existing institutions. Be precise in your application.

Common error

Avoid using "nation building" as a vague term. Always specify which aspects of a nation are being built or improved. For example, instead of simply stating "The project is about nation building", clarify whether it focuses on economic development, political reform, or social cohesion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nation building" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a process or activity. As seen in Ludwig, it's frequently used to describe political and social efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nation building" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes the process of constructing or reconstructing a nation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically used in political and academic contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral to formal register. When using the term, it's important to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "state formation" and "national development", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. Overall, "nation building" is a vital term in discussions of political science, international relations, and social development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building a national identity

Directly refers to the creation of a shared sense of belonging and culture.

state formation

Focuses on the establishment of a state's institutions and governance structures.

national development

Highlights the progress and growth of a nation across various sectors.

national unification

Emphasizes the process of bringing together different parts of a nation.

developing a nation

A broader term indicating the overall progress of a country.

societal reconstruction

Suggests rebuilding a society after conflict or upheaval.

forging a nation

Emphasizes the active and often challenging process of creating a nation.

institutional development

Focuses on the growth and improvement of institutions within a country.

national consolidation

Implies strengthening and solidifying a nation's identity and structures.

civic development

Highlights the development of civic engagement and participation.

FAQs

What does the phrase "nation building" mean?

"Nation building" refers to the process of constructing or reconstructing a national identity using the power of the state. It often involves creating or reinforcing institutions, infrastructure, and a sense of shared purpose among citizens.

When is it appropriate to use the term "nation building"?

The term "nation building" is appropriate when discussing efforts to unify a country, establish stable governance, promote economic development, or foster a shared national identity, especially after conflict or political transition.

What are some alternatives to "nation building"?

Alternatives to "nation building" include "state formation", "national development", or "societal reconstruction depending on the specific context".

What is the difference between "nation building" and "national development"?

"Nation building" often implies a deliberate effort to create a unified national identity and strong institutions, while "national development focuses more broadly on economic, social, and political progress" within a country.