the locals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the locals" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the people who live in a particular area or community, often in the context of tourism or cultural discussions. Example: "When visiting the city, it's always a good idea to ask the locals for their recommendations on the best places to eat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The locals?

Independent

The locals were friendly.

The Economist

(The locals would agree).

The New Yorker

The locals were unforgiving.

The New York Times - Sports

The locals want it.

The Economist

The locals are bullied.

The New Yorker

Not just the locals..."....

Independent

Were the locals forthcoming?

The New York Times

The locals weren't warned.

The Guardian

The locals want simple fare".

The New York Times

Of course, say the locals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about interactions with "the locals", provide specific details and avoid generalizations. This helps create a more vivid and nuanced picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping statements about the characteristics or behaviors of "the locals". Recognize that communities are diverse, and individual experiences may vary greatly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the locals" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the people who reside in a particular area, often in contrast to tourists or outsiders. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the locals" is a common noun phrase used to refer to people living in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, the phrase is typically considered neutral in register. When employing "the locals" in writing, it's important to be mindful of potential overgeneralizations and ensure nuanced representation. Consider alternatives like "local residents" or "community members" for greater precision depending on your specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

local residents

Emphasizes the residential aspect of the people in the area.

community members

Highlights the sense of belonging and participation in the community.

area inhabitants

Focuses on the fact that these people live in a specific geographic area.

native population

Implies that these people are indigenous to the area.

townspeople

Specifically refers to people living in a town.

regional community

Highlights the wider geographical region and its inhabitants as a cohesive group.

the townsfolk

An old-fashioned term for people who live in a town.

the neighborhood

Emphasizes the immediate surrounding area and people within it.

the citizenry

Highlights the rights and responsibilities of people within a jurisdiction.

inhabitants of the region

A more formal and descriptive way of referring to people who live in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "the locals" in a sentence?

You can use "the locals" to refer to people who live in a specific area. For example, "When traveling, it's helpful to ask "the locals" for recommendations."

What is a good alternative to "the locals"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "local residents", "community members", or "area inhabitants".

Is it appropriate to use "the locals" in formal writing?

While "the locals" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, it may be more appropriate to use more precise terms like "residents of the area" or "inhabitants of the region".

What's the difference between "the locals" and "the natives"?

"The locals" simply refers to people who live in a specific area, while "the natives" implies that the people are indigenous to that area, meaning they have historical roots and connections to the land.