transnational

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'transnational' is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to activities, operations, or issues that cross national boundaries, such as a business with branches in several countries or a global health policy. For example: The transnational organization works to promote human rights and environmental protection around the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The US says nearly 40 countries have already offered to help fight the transnational jihadi movement.

The Guardian

Concerns about Itic recently prompted the World Bank to pull out of a tax conference that was funded by several of its transnational tobacco company supporters.

The Guardian - Business

People must get democratic control over financial institutions, transnational corporations and their lobbies.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said the exchange of intelligence was important in combating transnational crime.

The Guardian

The private sector is highly unregulated in many poor countries and transnational companies are exploiting emerging global markets, allowing the rapid spread of cheap, highly processed and unhealthy food, as well as tobacco.

The Guardian

These transnational networks have been really dynamic in the last few years on a whole range of subjects, so there are definitely positive signs ahead".

The Guardian

Rhinos are believed to be extinct in Mozambique, but hunters from the country are often armed by transnational crime syndicates to kill rhinos and elephants across the border in South Africa.

The Guardian

Berlin has made transnational cooperation its trademark.

The Guardian

A transnational agency, Eurostat, oversees European economic statistics (although that did not prevent Greece from fudging its budget numbers before the euro crisis).

The Economist

Massimiliano Gioni, a curator based in Milan and New York, who is overseeing the Gwangju biennial, which opens in South Korea in September, recalls that the avant-garde was "built on a transnational community of kindred spirits," adding, "sometimes I long for that".

The Economist

In the Middle East, local rulers are patrons of Art Dubai and Abu Dhabi Art.Art fairs accelerate the transnational exposure of artists and Art Basel is the unrivalled leader in this, partly because it has always defined itself as international.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "transnational", ensure the context clearly indicates activities or operations that extend beyond the borders of a single nation. Consider whether "international" or "multinational" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "transnational" when you simply mean "international". "Transnational" specifically refers to entities or activities that operate across national borders, often implying a degree of integration or coordination beyond simple cooperation between nations.

Linguistic Context

The word "transnational" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they extend or operate across national boundaries. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's used to describe entities, issues, or activities that transcend national borders.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "transnational" is a versatile adjective used to describe entities, activities, or issues that extend beyond national borders. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's most frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. While semantically related to terms like "international" and "multinational", "transnational" emphasizes activities that transcend national control. When writing, ensure that "transnational" accurately reflects the cross-border nature of the subject and consider whether related terms might be more appropriate for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

international

Focuses on the involvement of multiple nations, a broader term than "transnational".

multinational

Specifically refers to entities operating in multiple countries, often in a business context.

cross-border

Highlights the crossing of borders, applicable to activities or issues.

transborder

Similar to "cross-border", emphasizing the crossing of borders.

global

Indicates worldwide scope, which may or may not involve crossing national borders directly.

globalized

Describes something that has become worldwide in scope or application.

worldwide

Emphasizes global reach and impact.

internationalized

Describes the process of making something international in character or scope.

supranational

Implies authority or power above that of individual nations.

interstate

Describes relations or agreements between different states or countries.

FAQs

How is "transnational" used in a sentence?

The term "transnational" describes entities or activities that extend beyond the borders of a single country. For instance, "transnational corporations" operate in multiple countries, and "transnational crime" crosses international borders.

What's the difference between "transnational" and "international"?

"Transnational" refers to activities or organizations that operate across national boundaries, often implying a degree of independence from national governments. "International", on the other hand, typically refers to interactions or relations between nations.

When should I use "multinational" instead of "transnational"?

Use "multinational" when referring to companies or entities that have operations in many countries. "Transnational" is broader and can apply to various phenomena, including crime or social movements, that cross national borders.

What are some examples of "transnational" issues?

Examples of "transnational" issues include climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality. These issues extend beyond the scope of any single nation and require international cooperation to address effectively.