national identity

USAGE SUMMARY

"national identity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used as a noun to refer to a group's sense of shared culture, language, history, ancestry, and collective values. For example: The citizens of this country have worked together to develop a strong national identity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

National identity crises.

The Washington Post

And television helps to mould national identity.

The Economist

Sweden's national identity is interesting.

The Guardian

This is our national identity.

Yale University

Swiss national identity doesn't depend on homeownership.

The New York Times

Mining is intrinsic to Chile's national identity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

FORGET Britain's plan for a national identity-card scheme.

The Economist

As a result, a 'post-national' identity emerged.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

Fashioning a National Identity.

The New York Times - Arts

The Challenges to America's National Identity".

The New Yorker

Food as an Expression of National Identity.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "national identity", be mindful of its multifaceted nature, encompassing culture, history, language, and shared values. Provide specific examples to illustrate the concept.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping generalizations about a "national identity" without acknowledging the diversity within a nation. Recognize that subgroups may have distinct identities that coexist with or challenge the dominant national narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "national identity" functions primarily as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes a group's sense of shared culture, language, history, ancestry, and collective values. It identifies a shared characteristic of the people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "national identity" is a very common and grammatically sound term used to describe the shared characteristics that define a nation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun and is frequently used in news, academic, and general contexts. When using the phrase, consider the multifaceted nature of national identity, encompassing culture, history, language, and values. It’s important to avoid overgeneralizations about national identity without acknowledging the diversity within a nation. Alternative expressions include "sense of nationhood" and "national character", each with subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of nationhood

Focuses on the feeling of belonging to a nation, rather than the specific characteristics.

national character

Emphasizes the unique qualities and traits associated with a nation.

cultural identity

Highlights the cultural aspects that define a nation's shared heritage.

national consciousness

Focuses on the awareness and understanding of a shared national identity.

collective identity

Broader term encompassing any shared sense of belonging, not just national.

shared heritage

Emphasizes the common historical and cultural experiences of a nation.

national ethos

Refers to the fundamental spirit or character of a nation.

national spirit

Highlights the unifying and motivating force within a nation.

patriotic sentiment

Focuses on the emotional connection and loyalty to one's nation.

national values

Highlights the shared principles and beliefs that define a nation.

FAQs

How is "national identity" formed?

A "national identity" is formed through a combination of shared history, culture, language, values, and traditions, often reinforced by national symbols and narratives. This formation is an ongoing process, influenced by both internal and external factors.

What factors can influence "national identity"?

Factors such as immigration, globalization, political events, and social movements can significantly influence and reshape a "national identity". These forces can lead to both the strengthening and fragmentation of national identity.

What's the difference between "national identity" and citizenship?

"National identity" is a subjective sense of belonging to a nation based on shared characteristics, while citizenship is a legal status granting specific rights and responsibilities within a nation-state. You can be a citizen without fully identifying with the "national ethos", and vice versa.

What are some alternatives to using the term "national identity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sense of nationhood", "national character", or "cultural identity" to express similar ideas.