white person

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "white person" is typically considered correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is of European descent or who has light-colored skin. Example: The Supreme Court ruling was celebrated by many white people, but it was met with disappointment by people of color.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or a white person".

Independent

No white person helped them.

The Economist

A white person.

The Guardian - Books

(White person lands in penitentiary hell).

The New Yorker

Obruni!" (white person! white person!) from the local children.

The Guardian - Travel

LIKE many Americans, I'm a white person.

The New York Times

I was also the only white person.

Harvard University

And mistaken for a white person.

The Washington Post

Don't ever threaten another white person".

The Guardian

'Blanke - white person 1963,' her card said.

The Guardian - Travel

So what kind of white person does this make me?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific when referring to nationality or ethnicity (e.g. "German", "Italian", "Irish") to avoid generalizations associated with the term "white person".

Common error

Don't assume shared experiences or perspectives based solely on someone being a "white person". Recognize that experiences vary greatly within any racial or ethnic group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "white person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying an individual based on racial or ethnic background. It is commonly used to categorize people in discussions related to race, ethnicity, and demographics. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from personal experiences to broader social analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "white person" is a common and generally grammatically correct term used to identify an individual of European descent or with light-colored skin. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to categorize individuals based on race or ethnicity, often in discussions about demographics or social issues. While the term is generally neutral, it's important to be aware of the context and potential implications of its use, avoiding generalizations and stereotypes. Alternatives like "Caucasian individual" or "person of European descent" can offer a more specific or neutral description depending on the situation. In professional and academic settings, sensitivity and awareness are key when employing this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Caucasian individual

Emphasizes the ethnic background.

Person of European descent

Highlights ancestry.

Light-skinned person

Focuses on skin tone rather than ethnicity.

Individual with white skin

A descriptive alternative focusing on physical appearance.

European-American

Specifically for people of European descent in America.

Westerner

A broader term, referring to people from Western countries, many of whom are white.

Member of the white race

A more formal and potentially outdated phrasing.

Pale-skinned individual

Focuses solely on skin complexion.

Person with fair complexion

Highlights complexion with a slightly archaic tone.

White-skinned human

A simple, descriptive phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "white person" in a sentence?

You can use "white person" in sentences where race is relevant to the context, such as in discussions about racial demographics, historical events, or social issues. For example: "The study examined the experiences of every "white person" in the company".

What is a more neutral way to say "white person"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "Caucasian individual" or "person of European descent" to provide a more specific or neutral description.

Is it appropriate to use the term "white person" in academic writing?

Yes, "white person" is acceptable in academic writing when discussing race, ethnicity, or related social issues. However, ensure that its usage is respectful and contributes meaningfully to the analysis. Always provide context and avoid generalizations.

What are some common misconceptions about the term "white person"?

A common misconception is that all "white people" share the same experiences or perspectives. In reality, experiences vary widely based on nationality, socioeconomic status, and other factors. Avoid making assumptions based solely on someone's race.