to immigrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to immigrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of moving to a foreign country with the intention of settling there permanently. Example: "Many people choose to immigrate to the United States in search of better opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I had approval to immigrate.

The New York Times

"It's very hard to immigrate to Japan".

The New Yorker

Germans were the first major group to immigrate to Pennsylvania.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What inspired Mr. Wang to immigrate to the United States?

The New York Times

Mr. Zigelboym's sister did not want to immigrate with them.

The New York Times

"The right to immigrate should not be for sale".

The New York Times

By mid-March, Iraqis on the list still had no mechanism for applying to immigrate.

The New Yorker

However, the law limits them to six-month stays, unless they seek to immigrate.

The New York Times

But today, he calls her decision to immigrate more than a decade ago heroic.

The New York Times

When Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia, he and his family were fortunate to immigrate to the USA.

The New York Times

A $500,000 investment will buy foreigners the right to immigrate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to immigrate", ensure that the context clearly indicates a permanent move to a new country, differentiating it from temporary travel or emigration (leaving one's home country).

Common error

A common mistake is using "immigrate" and "emigrate" interchangeably. Remember that "immigrate" refers to moving to a new country, while "emigrate" means moving from one's home country.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to immigrate" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, indicating the action of moving permanently to a foreign country. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in describing motivations and processes related to this action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to immigrate" accurately describes the act of moving permanently to a new country. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, from news reports and scientific research to encyclopedic entries. While alternatives like "to relocate internationally" or "to settle in a foreign land" exist, it's crucial to distinguish "immigrate" from "emigrate" and to ensure that the context suggests a permanent relocation. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to move to a new country

This alternative broadens the scope beyond permanent relocation, encompassing any move to a different nation.

to relocate internationally

This alternative emphasizes the act of moving across international borders.

to settle in a foreign land

This phrase highlights the act of establishing oneself permanently in a new country.

to migrate to another country

While similar, 'migrate' can imply seasonal or temporary movement, differing from the intended permanence of 'immigrate'.

to seek residence abroad

This alternative focuses on the intention to live in a foreign country, potentially for an extended period.

to become an expatriate

This emphasizes leaving one's native country, differing from focusing on the destination.

to naturalize in a new country

This highlights the legal process of acquiring citizenship in a new nation.

to seek asylum in another country

This alternative specifies a particular reason for immigrating: seeking protection from persecution.

to seek refuge in a foreign country

Similar to seeking asylum, this emphasizes finding safety in a new country due to dangerous circumstances.

to cross borders for settlement

This phrase emphasizes the physical act of crossing borders with the intention of settling.

FAQs

What's the difference between immigrate and emigrate?

"Immigrate" means to move to a new country to live there permanently. "Emigrate" means to leave your home country to live in another. Therefore, the same event is described differently depending on the point of view. For example, someone might "emigrate from" Italy and "immigrate to" Canada.

What are some reasons people choose "to immigrate"?

People decide "to immigrate" for many reasons, including seeking better economic opportunities, escaping political instability, joining family members, pursuing education, or simply desiring a different lifestyle.

What are some other ways to say "to immigrate"?

Alternatives to "to immigrate" include "to move to a new country", "to relocate internationally", or "to settle in a foreign land".

What is the process of immigration?

The process of immigration varies depending on the destination country. Generally, it involves applying for a visa, meeting specific eligibility requirements (such as skills, education, or family ties), and undergoing background checks and medical examinations.