our neighbors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our neighbors" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to people who live near you or in close proximity, often in a community context. Example: "We decided to invite our neighbors over for a barbecue this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They're our neighbors.

The New York Times

"They are our neighbors.

The New York Times

"The Ethiopians are our neighbors.

The New York Times

"These Americans are our neighbors.

The New York Times

Our neighbors have helped, too.

The New York Times

Even our neighbors were fooled.

The New York Times

The Iranians are our neighbors.

The New Yorker

"We cannot change our neighbors".

The New York Times

We conferred with our neighbors.

The New Yorker

Our neighbors are wonderful".

The New York Times

"We know our neighbors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "our neighbors", ensure the context clearly defines the group of people you are referring to. Is it strictly those who live next door, or does it encompass a broader community?

Common error

Avoid assuming a close relationship with "our neighbors" if you don't know them well. Not everyone appreciates unsolicited assumptions about community bonds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our neighbors" functions as a determiner + noun. It identifies a specific group of people who reside in close proximity to the speaker. As confirmed by Ludwig, the usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "our neighbors" is a grammatically sound and very common way to refer to people living nearby. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is correct. It is primarily found in news and media contexts, serving to foster a sense of community or discuss local matters. When using "our neighbors", be mindful of the specific group you are referring to and avoid making assumptions about the nature of your relationship with them. Alternatives include "local residents" or "nearby inhabitants", but "our neighbors" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those in our community

Emphasizes the communal aspect and shared environment.

people nearby

Focuses on the physical proximity of individuals without necessarily implying a social connection.

the people around us

A general reference to individuals in the surrounding area.

local residents

Highlights the residential aspect and geographic location of the people being referred to.

those who live close by

Highlights the short distance between residences.

folks next door

An informal way to refer to people living in adjacent houses or apartments.

nearby inhabitants

A formal term denoting individuals living in close proximity.

our fellow citizens

Broader reference to shared nationality or city membership with an emphasis on shared civic responsibilities.

adjacent dwellers

Stresses the physical adjacency of living spaces.

the surrounding population

Refers to the collective number of people residing in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "our neighbors" in a sentence?

You can use "our neighbors" to refer to people who live near you. For example, "We're having a block party to get to know "our neighbors" better."

What is a more formal way to say "our neighbors"?

A more formal alternative to "our neighbors" could be "local residents" or "nearby inhabitants", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "our neighbors" and "our community"?

"Our neighbors" specifically refers to the people living in close proximity to you, while "our community" /s/our+community can include a broader group of people who share common interests, values, or a geographic area.

What can I say instead of "we should be kind to our neighbors"?

You could say "we should be kind to "local residents"", "we should foster good relationships with "nearby inhabitants"", or "we should extend kindness to "the people around us"".