republic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "republic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter" and is not the private concern or property of the rulers. Example: "The founding fathers envisioned a republic where the power lies with the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

As Iran enters a critical period in its history, with elections in June, sanctions biting and the increasing threat of an Israeli attack, the Guardian has formed a partnership with the award-winning Tehran Bureau to open a window on life in the Islamic republic.

The Guardian

While serious independent journalism remains nearly impossible in Iran, the bureau is able to provide original reporting through its extensive list of contacts both inside and outside the republic, and to bring the voices of ordinary people to an international audience.

The Guardian

The vote offered to "alter the constitution to establish the Commonwealth of Australia as a republic with the Queen and governor general being replaced by a president appointed by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Commonwealth parliament", and also included a second question about inserting a preamble in the constitution.

The Guardian

It's strange that the French live in a republic and we have a monarchy but we are far less hierarchical.

The Guardian - Film

Mr Stan Crowther, Labour MP for Rotherham and former mayor of the town, said he was unhappy with the socialist republic slogan because it wrongly implied South Yorkshire could act independently of decisions at Westminster.

The Guardian

Many will tell you they have not forgotten the "socialist republic of South Yorkshire" of the 80s, which they feel led to poorer (Labour-voting) parts of Sheffield getting preferential treatment – a divide some say continues today.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

A group called the Northwest Santa Tecla Ecological Defence Committee has filed a complaint with the environmental secretariat at the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Act (DR-Cafta) alleging that the Villa Veranda development could threaten local water supplies, biodiversity and quality of life for communities nearby.

The Guardian

The first academic casualty of the Boston College-Jean McConville furore has been a parallel project which was to involve a London-based historian and an ex-RUC officer as well as retired members of the Garda Siochana in the Irish Republic, all with long records in fighting terrorism.

The Guardian

The Belfast woman's remains were not found until 2003 at a beach in the Irish Republic.

The Guardian

The guiding principle to the division process was two-thirds to the Czech Republic, one third to Slovakia, based on the proportion of territory to population.

The Guardian

One such panel in 2006 forced the Czech Republic to pay $236m to a Dutch bank for not providing it with a bailout, Warren wrote.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a specific country, ensure you specify the type of "republic" if it's not already clear from the context (e.g., "constitutional republic", "parliamentary republic").

Common error

Avoid using "republic" and "democracy" interchangeably. While many republics are democracies, the term "republic" specifically refers to a state without a monarch, where power is held by elected officials. Democracy focuses on popular sovereignty.

Linguistic Context

The term "republic" functions primarily as a noun, designating a state or country governed by elected representatives and without a monarch. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts, from political discussions to geographical references.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "republic" accurately describes a state governed by elected representatives, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. Its usage spans various contexts from news and media to formal business and scientific discussions. While generally correct, it's crucial to differentiate "republic" from related concepts like democracy to avoid confusion. High-quality sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this term, solidifying its place in formal and informal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitutional republic

Highlights the presence of a constitution that limits governmental power and protects individual rights.

parliamentary republic

Specifies a republic where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (parliament).

democratic state

Emphasizes the democratic nature of the political system, where power resides with the people.

representative democracy

Highlights the system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

commonwealth

Implies a political community founded for the common good.

free state

Emphasizes the liberty and autonomy of the state.

nation state

Focuses on the aspect of a unified political entity with a defined territory and population.

civilian government

Indicates a government not controlled by the military.

self governing nation

Stresses the independence and autonomy of the country in managing its own affairs.

popular sovereignty

Highlights the principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

FAQs

How to use "republic" in a sentence?

You can use "republic" to refer to a state where power resides with elected representatives, for example, "The United States is a "constitutional republic".".

What can I say instead of "republic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "democratic state", "commonwealth", or "representative democracy".

Which is correct, "republic" or "democracy"?

"Republic" refers to a system without a monarch, while "democracy" refers to a system where citizens have political power. A country can be both a "republic" and a democracy.

What's the difference between "republic" and "nation state"?

"Republic" specifies a form of government without a monarch, whereas "nation state" describes a unified political entity with a defined territory and population. A republic can also be a nation state.