residents

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'residents' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who live in a particular place. For example, "The residents of the city are very friendly and welcoming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other rights that are automatic for UK nationals, but that residents from other EU countries must pass a "right to reside" test to qualify for are also very easily bypassed by claiming to be self employed.

The Guardian

In an indication of what simmering tensions could bring if unleashed, a mob of Christian youths in Jos's Tina neighbourhood set up a roadblock yesterday where they attacked at least three Muslim residents, beating one into a coma.

The Guardian

Tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents – young and old, rich and poor – have peacefully occupied major thoroughfares across the city, shuttering businesses and bringing traffic to a halt.

The Guardian

Such reticence is understandable in a city where many residents assume that officials use construction projects to siphon state funds.

The Guardian

The announcement would mark the beginning of what Smith and his fellow GP Sarah Chalmers say was one of the town's worst ever years, with affected residents coming through the doors of Nhulunbuy's only GP clinic.

The Guardian

That was the year when Fatimid invaders began to build a grand enclosure to house their new mosques and palaces – a private city known to its residents as al-Qahera, and eventually to the world as Cairo.

The Guardian

The town of only about 400 residents draws tens of thousands of visitors every year to one of the widest and most scenic spots on the Mighty Mississippi.

The Guardian

Algeria left the forerunner of the EEC when it became independent in 1962; the 56,000 residents of Greenland departed in 1985; the French Caribbean colony of Saint Barthelemy (which, with nearly 10,000 inhabitants, has as roughly the same population as Glastonbury, in Somerset) formally exited the EU in 2012.

The Guardian

It was prompted by confusion among residents about when bins and recycling were collected.

The Guardian

But residents here care little for such things, or for his denial that he owns the bulk of the company.

The Guardian

It shifts her gaze to the US in 12 stories that explore the experiences of husbands and wives, parents and children, immigrants and permanent residents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about which residents you are referring to: "local residents", "long-term residents", etc. This gives more context to the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "residents" share the same opinions or experiences. Recognize the diversity within any community and avoid making sweeping statements about them.

Linguistic Context

The term "residents" functions primarily as a plural noun. It denotes individuals who live in a particular place, whether it's a city, town, or building. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "residents" is a grammatically sound and versatile term used to describe people living in a specific area. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency is categorized as 'Very common', predominantly appearing in News & Media. While it can be used in formal contexts, it maintains a generally neutral tone. Remember to be specific about which residents you are talking about and to avoid overgeneralizations about the group, and consider synonyms such as "inhabitants", "population", or "community members" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inhabitants

Refers to individuals who live in a particular place, especially on a permanent basis; emphasizes long-term occupancy.

population

Denotes the entire body of people living in a specific region; focuses on the collective rather than individual residents.

community members

Highlights the social aspect of living in a shared area; emphasizes belonging and participation.

local people

Emphasizes the connection to a particular locality; suggests familiarity and rootedness in the area.

occupants

Refers to those who physically occupy a dwelling or place; focuses on the act of residing rather than long-term affiliation.

townspeople

Specifically refers to people living in a town; narrows the scope to a particular type of settlement.

householders

Denotes those who own or rent a house; emphasizes the residential status in terms of property.

denizens

Implies a sense of belonging or familiarity with a place, often used in a slightly informal or literary context.

citizens

Refers to individuals with legal rights and responsibilities in a specific area; emphasizes civic status.

lodgers

Suggests temporary accommodation; emphasizes the temporary nature of their residence.

FAQs

What is the difference between "residents" and "inhabitants"?

While both terms refer to people living in a place, "residents" often implies a more formal or legal connection, while "inhabitants" can refer to anyone who lives there, regardless of legal status. The word "inhabitants" emphasizes long-term occupancy.

What can I say instead of "residents"?

You can use alternatives like "inhabitants", "population", or "community members" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "residents" when referring to people temporarily living in a place?

While "residents" usually implies a more permanent stay, it can also be used for those living somewhere for a significant period. For short-term stays, consider using "occupants" or "lodgers".

How do I use "residents" in a sentence?

You can use "residents" to refer to people living in a particular area, such as: "The residents of the city are concerned about the new development project." or "Local residents organized a community cleanup event."