outsiders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outsiders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or groups who are not part of a particular organization, community, or group. Example: "The meeting was closed to outsiders, ensuring that sensitive information remained confidential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In most ways the afflicted region epitomises the collapse of authority: extremists control roads and markets; the government is powerless outside the capital; outsiders provide what little assistance exists.But not all failed or fragile states look like Somalia.

The Economist

Perched high in the Valais, the town has long attracted outsiders.

The Guardian - Travel

To outsiders, the years Ratmansky spent at the Bolshoi appeared to be a golden era.

The Guardian

In this frenzy of the January transfer window, it may seem curious to outsiders that some of the strongest focus from England on a Scottish club can be found in Falkirk.

The Guardian - Sport

Outsiders will find little to distinguish between the two parties now promising a progressive alternative to the Conservatives.

The Guardian

The coalition, like the Labour government before it, is desperate to out-Ukip Ukip and prove its credentials as a government that can build high barricades to protect our shores against outsiders.

The Guardian - Opinion

It continued: "While we continue to make every commitment to LSE students in support of their right to free speech, our allegiance to and duty of care must remain with them and cannot be extended to outsiders.

The Guardian

On the evening Hank posted his statement on Hacker News, outsiders began to involve themselves in his and Adria's story.

The Guardian - Tech

If the people Robert Carlyle plays tend to have one thing in common, it is that they are alienated outsiders – though, if you ask him how he chooses his roles, this is the very last thing he will mention.

The Guardian - Film

Suddenly, the outsiders were the ones that were getting the work – because you were different from them.’ His eyes narrow with pleasure, as he laughs a laugh that is unmistakably the last laugh.

The Guardian - Film

Any more than that and you begin to think of them [the non-executive directors] as insiders rather than outsiders".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outsiders", ensure the context clearly defines the group or community from which they are excluded to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "outsiders" without specifying the relevant in-group; otherwise, it can lead to misunderstandings and lack of clarity. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The term "outsiders" functions primarily as a plural noun. It refers to people who are not part of a particular group, community, or organization. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outsiders" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe individuals or groups not belonging to a specific community or organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media. When using "outsiders", ensure that the context clearly defines the group from which they are excluded to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "foreigners", "non-members", and "external parties" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreigners

Refers specifically to people from another country, emphasizing national origin.

non-members

Highlights the lack of affiliation with a specific group or organization.

strangers

Emphasizes unfamiliarity and lack of personal connection within a community.

external parties

Indicates entities not internally associated with an organization or agreement.

newcomers

Focuses on individuals recently joining a place or group.

immigrants

Specifies individuals who have moved to a new country to settle.

aliens

In legal contexts, refers to non-citizens residing in a country.

non-residents

Indicates individuals who do not live in a particular area or institution.

detached observers

Highlights a lack of involvement or emotional connection to a situation.

external agents

Refers to entities operating from outside an organization or system.

FAQs

How can I use "outsiders" in a sentence?

You can use "outsiders" to refer to people who are not part of a specific group or community. For example, "The event was exclusive, and "outsiders" were not permitted to enter."

What is a good alternative to "outsiders"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "foreigners", "non-members", or "strangers".

When is it appropriate to use "outsiders" versus "foreigners"?

"Outsiders" refers to anyone not part of a particular group or community, while "foreigners" specifically refers to people from another country. Use "outsiders" when group membership is the key distinction, and "foreigners" when nationality is relevant.

What are the connotations of using the term "outsiders"?

The term "outsiders" can sometimes imply exclusion or a lack of understanding. Consider whether a more neutral term like "external parties" or "non-members" might be more appropriate depending on the context.