natives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "natives" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to people who are originally from a particular place or country, often in discussions about culture, language, or heritage. Example: "The natives of the island have a rich tradition of storytelling that has been passed down through generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clinton's apology echoed a reflection – racist and arrogant as it was – in my grandfather's letters: "The natives work with delightful laziness under their enormous hats and sparse beards.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor is Shiv Sena's traditional appeal to Mumbai natives who speak the local language enough to guarantee power.

The Guardian

The Egyptian novelist's narrator travels with a friend to London after the Suez crisis, where they meet a British soldier who served in Suez but "never got to know the natives there, wot with army rules and all that".

The Guardian - Books

The theatre is not only a magnet for many of the 100,000 English-language natives living in the city, but also for German students, teachers, academics and anglophiles keen to keep up with developments in international theatre.

The Guardian

Cadell noted on landing that "the natives who had come down on our arrival were much alarmed at the horses".

The Guardian

He has also ordered land leased by foreigners over the past 20 years to be returned to its Hungarian owners, arguing that the natives have been swindled by wealthy westerners.

The Guardian

The film admits Rhodes wasn't all about being paternalistic and kindly to the natives but, in order to keep him approximately sympathetic, it can't go anywhere near the full force of his white supremacist thinking.

The Guardian - Film

"At Calilly's request one of them was made to show paces and gallop; the stockman suddenly wheeling his horse, charged towards the natives, which scattered them in all directions, first to their great fear and afterwards to their infinite amusement".

The Guardian

In fact, if the muslim brotherhood and affiliates continue to operate in the UK I suspect Muslims in the British Isles will look back on the days when all the natives did was piss on them as the 'good' olde days".

The Guardian - Opinion

In season five, a pair of North Carolina natives won over audiences.

The Guardian - Music

In any case, if there's one thing digital natives do understand, it's the concept of the Pop Moment: the trending topic, the Gifable glimpse.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "natives", consider the context and potential sensitivities. In many cases, using more specific and respectful terms like "indigenous peoples" or "local inhabitants" is preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "natives" as a blanket term for all indigenous populations, as this can erase the distinct identities and cultures of specific groups. Always strive for accuracy and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "natives" is as a plural noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the original or long-term inhabitants of a particular place. This aligns with Ludwig AI's identification of the term, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "natives" functions primarily as a noun referring to the original inhabitants of a place. While grammatically correct and very common, Ludwig AI underscores the importance of considering the context when using this term. More specific and respectful alternatives, such as "indigenous people" or "local inhabitants", may be more appropriate in many situations. It appears most frequently in news and media, but can also appear in formal and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Native inhabitants

A more formal way of saying "natives".

Native peoples

Refers to people originating from a specific place.

Indigenous population

Emphasizes the historical and cultural connection to a particular region or land.

Local inhabitants

Highlights the current residents of a specific area.

Local population

Focuses on the people living in a particular area.

Original residents

Focuses on the initial settlers or occupants of a place.

Native community

Highlights the social aspect and shared identity of the group.

Aboriginal people

Specifically refers to the first inhabitants of Australia.

First peoples

Emphasizes the priority of settlement and historical presence.

First nations

Commonly used in Canada to refer to indigenous peoples.

FAQs

How can I use "natives" in a sentence?

You can use "natives" to refer to the original inhabitants of a place. For example, "The "natives" of the island have a unique culture."

What is a more respectful alternative to "natives"?

Depending on the context, more respectful alternatives to "natives" include "indigenous people", "local inhabitants", or "original residents".

What is the difference between "natives" and "immigrants"?

"Natives" refers to people who are born or originate from a particular place, while "immigrants" refers to people who have moved to a new country or region to live permanently.

Is it appropriate to use "natives" when discussing historical events?

When discussing historical events, using "natives" may carry colonial connotations. Consider using more specific and sensitive terms like "indigenous population" or "aboriginal people", where appropriate, to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.