ordinary citizens

USAGE SUMMARY

"ordinary citizens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "ordinary citizens" to refer to members of the general public. For example, "The ordinary citizens of this city face a great many challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ordinary citizens are sidelined.

The New York Times

"We are just ordinary citizens.

The Economist

They're coming from ordinary citizens.

The New York Times

Or ordinary citizens?

The Washington Post

Many ordinary citizens have been harassed.

The Economist

Ordinary citizens, not narcos, kidnapped and murdered.

The New Yorker

And all of them from ordinary citizens".

The New Yorker

But what about ordinary citizens?

The New York Times

Few ordinary citizens are convinced.

The Guardian

Ordinary citizens who apply are routinely rejected.

The New York Times

"We're ordinary citizens who love our family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about social issues, use "ordinary citizens" to represent the experiences and perspectives of everyday people, rather than relying on abstract terms or generalizations.

Common error

Be careful not to assume that "ordinary citizens" are a homogenous group. Recognize and acknowledge the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the general population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary citizens" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying a group of people who are not in positions of power or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, widely employed across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ordinary citizens" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to the general population. Ludwig AI confirms that this term appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and it serves to differentiate everyday people from those holding power or specialized roles. When using this phrase, remember to avoid generalizations and acknowledge the diversity within the population it describes. Consider alternatives like "average citizens" or "common people" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

average citizens

Replaces "ordinary" with "average", emphasizing the commonality and lack of distinction among citizens.

typical citizens

Focuses on the representativeness of the citizens, implying they are examples of the norm.

everyday people

Highlights the routine and unremarkable lives of the individuals in question.

common people

Shifts the focus from citizenship to social standing, highlighting the everyday nature of the individuals.

general public

Emphasizes the collective nature of the citizenry, referring to the population as a whole.

rank-and-file citizens

Emphasizes the non-elite status of the citizens, distinguishing them from leaders or officials.

regular folks

Uses a more informal and colloquial term for people, suggesting a sense of familiarity and approachability.

average individuals

Replaces "citizens" with the more generic "individuals", broadening the scope beyond legal citizenship.

grassroots population

Highlights the local and community-based nature of the citizenry, focusing on their connection to the land.

the citizenry

A more formal and collective term for citizens, emphasizing their rights and responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary citizens" in a sentence?

"Ordinary citizens" can be used to refer to people who are not in positions of power or authority. For example, "The new policy will affect "ordinary citizens" in many ways".

What is a synonym for "ordinary citizens"?

Synonyms for "ordinary citizens" include "average citizens", "common people", and "general public".

Is it redundant to say "average ordinary citizens"?

Yes, saying "average ordinary citizens" is generally considered redundant because both "average" and "ordinary" convey a similar meaning. It is best to use either "average citizens" or "ordinary citizens" separately.

What's the difference between "ordinary citizens" and "residents"?

"Ordinary citizens" implies a status with certain rights and responsibilities within a nation, while "residents" simply refers to people who live in a particular place, regardless of their citizenship status.