shopkeepers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shopkeepers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who own or manage a shop or store, typically in a local or small business context. Example: "The shopkeepers in our town have come together to support local charities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Economist

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Joanna Biggs points out in her fabulous just-published oral history of Britain at work, All Day Long: "The nation of shopkeepers has become a nation of disappointed bakers and momentarily cheerful hotdog men.

The Guardian

I would give anything to be in your place, a hero respected and at peace — and not just because of the insults, beatings and stones hurled at me from bus conductors, shopkeepers and children in the streets.

The Guardian

Anneli was the brashest - shopkeepers dubbed her Bianca when she popped into buy her £2.39 Martelli miniatures, the small cognac bottles that double as crack pipes.

The Guardian

The same personal, economic and political freedom that produces a nation of shopkeepers also produces general happiness and prosperity for the shopkeepers' nation.

The Guardian

It is a traditional Chilean drinking den, its clientele a mix of tradesmen, shopkeepers and artists.

The Guardian - Travel

On days like that, I tell Asian shopkeepers to stop following me around as I look for what I am after.

The Guardian

From the opening sequences on, everyone we meet, from the local mayor to farmers and shopkeepers, is visibly terrified.

The Guardian - Film

I spoke to everyone I could – teachers, shopkeepers, students, journalists, political activists.

The Guardian

Shopkeepers would adjust price tags each morning, then again in the afternoon.

The Economist

Mr Schröder is deemed too beholden to the unions, while Mr Stoiber is judged too hand-in-glove with churches, farmers and small shopkeepers.

The Economist

Shopkeepers around Plateia Amerikis, where some immigrants run small businesses, are not convinced.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about local economies, use "shopkeepers" to convey a sense of small, community-based businesses and their role in the social fabric.

Common error

Don't use "shopkeepers" when referring to large retail corporations. The term is best suited for small or independently owned businesses.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shopkeepers" is that of a plural noun. It refers to multiple individuals who own or manage a shop. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term, frequently found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shopkeepers" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that effectively describes individuals who manage or own shops. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears most often in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, conveying information about local economies and small businesses. While alternatives like "store owners" or "retailers" exist, "shopkeepers" carries a unique connotation, often implying a smaller scale and closer community connection. Remember to use "shopkeepers" appropriately when discussing small, locally-owned businesses and their vital role in the community.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

store owners

Focuses on the ownership aspect rather than the act of keeping or managing the shop.

retailers

Emphasizes the commercial aspect of selling goods directly to consumers, suitable for larger establishments.

store managers

Highlights the management responsibilities within a store, shifting focus from ownership.

small business owners

Broadens the scope to include any type of small business, not just shops.

tradespeople

Refers to skilled workers who sell goods or services, often in a traditional setting.

merchants

Suggests a historical or more formal context of buying and selling goods.

vendors

Implies a temporary or mobile selling situation, such as markets or fairs.

business operators

A more general term that encompasses all types of businesses, including shops.

proprietors

A formal term indicating ownership, often used in legal or official contexts.

dealers

Suggests a focus on specific goods or products, often implying expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "shopkeepers" in a sentence?

You can say, "The local "shopkeepers" are concerned about the new regulations" or "The town is supported by its "shopkeepers" and local businesses".

What can I say instead of "shopkeepers"?

You can use alternatives like "store owners", "retailers", or "small business owners" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "shopkeepers" and "business owners"?

"Shopkeepers" specifically refers to those who own or manage retail shops, while "business owners" is a broader term that includes owners of any type of business.

Is it correct to refer to large corporations as "shopkeepers"?

No, the term "shopkeepers" is typically used for small, local, or independently owned businesses. It's not appropriate for large retail corporations.