upstanding citizen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upstanding citizen" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It typically refers to a person who is of good character, moral standing, and who follows the laws and societal norms. Examples: 1. John is known as an upstanding citizen in our community for his volunteer work and honest business practices. 2. The mayor commended Sally for being an upstanding citizen and a role model for the youth in the city. 3. It is important for everyone to strive to be an upstanding citizen and contribute positively to society. 4. The court was impressed by the defendant's record as an upstanding citizen and took it into consideration during the sentencing. 5. The school's code of conduct emphasizes the importance of being an upstanding citizen both on and off campus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was not an upstanding citizen.

The New York Times

The dorm and its rituals "are bringing up these old memories, of being an upstanding citizen".

The New York Times

Tebow is by all accounts an upstanding citizen, the best kind of teammate.

The New York Times - Sports

"He is a very upstanding citizen," he added, referring to the grandfather.

The New York Times

Their expectations aren't too high: they'll settle for just one upstanding citizen.

The New York Times

The terrorist is covertly monitored, the drug dealer is searched and the upstanding citizen is protected.

The New York Times

Yes, you think to yourself, I am indeed an upstanding citizen.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was as if I'd gone from being an upstanding citizen to being suspicious.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, you, the upstanding citizen, aren't the only one who finds them attractive.

The New York Times - Tech

The claimant is an upstanding citizen serving her country in the British army.

The Guardian

And she has been a fine, upstanding citizen of the music world.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upstanding citizen" to positively describe someone known for their integrity, ethical behavior, and contributions to the community.

Common error

Avoid using "upstanding citizen" sarcastically without clear indicators of irony. Misinterpreting sarcasm can confuse readers and undermine your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upstanding citizen" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifically using the adjective "upstanding" to describe the noun "citizen". It characterizes an individual as being of good moral character and adhering to societal norms, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upstanding citizen" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe individuals known for their integrity and positive contributions to society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase modifier, conveying positive attributes and endorsing moral character. The phrase is primarily used in news and media contexts, with a neutral register, making it suitable for various formal and informal communications. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and avoids sarcastic undertones. Synonyms such as "law-abiding individual" or "moral person" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

law-abiding individual

Focuses more specifically on adherence to the law.

moral person

Highlights the ethical and virtuous nature of the person.

reputable member of society

Emphasizes the positive standing and recognition within the community.

virtuous individual

Stresses the high moral standards and ethical behavior.

honest individual

Concentrates on the characteristic of truthfulness and integrity.

principled person

Highlights the adherence to a strong set of moral principles.

ethical member of the community

Focuses on adherence to ethical standards within a communal context.

good person

A more general term indicating positive character traits.

worthy citizen

Suggests the individual is deserving of respect and admiration.

responsible member of society

Highlights the person's accountability and reliability.

FAQs

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

Use "upstanding citizen" to describe someone who is honest, ethical, and contributes positively to their community. For example, "The mayor praised Mrs. Johnson as an upstanding citizen for her volunteer work."

What is a synonym for "upstanding citizen"?

Synonyms include "law-abiding individual", "moral person", or "reputable member of society".

Is it appropriate to use "upstanding citizen" in formal writing?

Yes, "upstanding citizen" is appropriate for formal writing when describing someone with integrity and good character. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "upstanding citizen" and "good person"?

"Upstanding citizen" typically implies adherence to societal norms and laws, while "good person" is a broader term referring to someone with positive moral qualities. An upstanding citizen is necessarily a good person, but the reverse may not always be true.