upright citizen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upright citizen" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to someone who is honest and law-abiding, or to contrast them with someone who is not. For example, "Ricky is an upright citizen, unlike his brother who is always getting into trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Some upright citizen had spotted us with our open containers.

The New York Times

In society that's what makes an upright citizen, isn't it?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It should say: 'Here lies upright citizen JR Ewing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But when, exactly, did we adopt the brand of the seasoned, upright citizen?

The New Yorker

To hear him tell it, he is now an upright citizen.

The New York Times - Style

Facing him in khakis and a royal-blue tie, Tom Burrows, the board's public-safety committee chair, was dressed the part of the upright citizen.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But he argued that the Upright Citizens' model ultimately lifts everyone.

The New York Times

The original bandits lived in isolated villages and carried out raids on upright citizens.

The Economist

Upright Citizens Brigade artists also say that stage time is more valuable than a modest fee.

The New York Times

Last year's acts included Todd Barry, Upright Citizens Brigade and a pre-scandal Bill Cosby.

The Guardian

The two Upright Citizens Brigade alums started Broad City as a web series in 2009.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upright citizen" to denote someone who embodies strong moral values and adheres to the law, often in contrast to those who do not. For instance, use it when highlighting a person's positive contribution to society or when emphasizing their ethical behavior in a challenging situation.

Common error

Avoid using "upright citizen" too frequently in contemporary writing, as it can sound somewhat old-fashioned or overly formal. Consider using more modern alternatives like "responsible citizen" or "ethical individual" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upright citizen" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "upright" modifies the noun "citizen". As Ludwig AI explains, it describes someone who is honest and law-abiding. Its purpose is to highlight the positive qualities of an individual within a community.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upright citizen" is a phrase used to describe an individual known for their honesty, law-abiding nature, and strong moral character. Ludwig AI states that it is grammatically correct and can be used to emphasize the positive qualities of an individual within a community, often in contrast to those who do not adhere to such standards. While common in news and media, its use can sometimes feel formal, so it's worth considering more modern alternatives like "responsible citizen" in contemporary contexts. The phrase carries a neutral register, frequently used to praise and distinguish those who exemplify good citizenship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

law-abiding person

Focuses specifically on adherence to laws and regulations.

honest individual

Highlights the characteristic of truthfulness and integrity.

moral person

Emphasizes adherence to ethical principles and virtuous behavior.

respectable member of society

Focuses on the individual's standing and acceptance within their community.

virtuous person

Highlights moral excellence and righteousness.

exemplary citizen

Emphasizes serving as a model for others in society.

ethical individual

Highlights adherence to moral principles and professional standards.

principled person

Focuses on adherence to strong moral principles.

good Samaritan

Emphasizes acts of kindness and compassion towards others.

pillar of the community

Highlights someone who is a strong supporter and contributor to their community.

FAQs

What does "upright citizen" mean?

An "upright citizen" refers to someone who is honest, law-abiding, and behaves with integrity, generally contributing positively to their community.

How can I use "upright citizen" in a sentence?

You might say, "Despite facing adversity, she remained an "upright citizen", dedicated to serving her community".

What can I say instead of "upright citizen"?

You can use alternatives like "law-abiding person", "honest individual", or "moral person" depending on the context.

Is "upright citizen" a formal expression?

Yes, "upright citizen" leans toward the formal side. In more casual conversation, simpler terms like "good person" or "responsible individual" might be more appropriate.