Citizens vs. Residents – Which is Correct?

The terms “citizens” and “residents” both refer to individuals within a country, but they denote different legal statuses and associated rights. A citizen possesses full legal and political rights, often by birth or naturalization, while a resident is someone who lives in a particular place, which may or may not include full citizenship rights.

Citizens or Residents – Which is Correct?

Both “citizens” and “residents” are correct and distinct terms in American English, referring to individuals within a geographical or political entity. The choice between them depends entirely on the specific legal status and rights you intend to convey. A “citizen” holds full membership in a state, typically with rights such as voting and holding public office. A “resident,” on the other hand, simply lives in a place, which could be temporary or permanent, and may or may not include the full range of rights enjoyed by a citizen. You can use a “Swap Test” to determine which is appropriate: if the person’s legal allegiance and full rights are the focus, use “citizen”; if merely their dwelling or presence in a location is the focus, use “resident.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Citizen	Noun	A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized.	All citizens have the right to vote in national elections.
Resident	Noun	A person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis.	Many international students become temporary residents while studying abroad.

How to Use Citizens

The term “citizens” refers to individuals who possess full legal and political membership in a particular country or state. This status typically confers a comprehensive set of rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, and receive protection from their government, as well as responsibilities such as obeying laws and paying taxes. “Citizens” is often used in formal and legal contexts, emphasizing allegiance and belonging to a nation.

Example 1: The new policy aims to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background.

Example 2: Active participation from informed citizens is crucial for a healthy democracy.

Example 3: Dual citizens hold nationality in two different countries simultaneously.

What are the different forms of Citizen?

The word “citizen” is a noun. Its plural form is “citizens.” It can also be used as an adjective, as in “citizen soldiers” or “citizen journalism,” though this is less common than its noun form. Related terms include “citizenship” (the status of being a citizen) and “citizenry” (the body of citizens).

Etymology of the word Citizen

The word “citizen” derives from the Old French “citezein” and earlier “citeain,” meaning “inhabitant of a city.” This, in turn, comes from “cité,” meaning “city.” The concept evolved from denoting an inhabitant of a city to a member of a state with specific rights and duties, particularly after the rise of nation-states.

How to Use Residents

The term “residents” refers to individuals who live in a particular place, which could be a city, state, or country, on a permanent or long-term basis. This status primarily denotes physical presence and domicile, without necessarily implying full legal or political rights. Residents may include citizens, permanent immigrants, temporary workers, or students. The term is widely used in administrative, demographic, and local governmental contexts.

Example 1: Local residents have expressed concerns about the proposed construction project.

Example 2: All residents of the apartment complex must adhere to the building’s rules.

Example 3: The city council meeting is open to all interested residents.

What are the different forms of Resident?

The word “resident” is primarily a noun, with its plural form being “residents.” It can also function as an adjective, as in “resident alien,” “resident physician,” or “resident artist,” describing someone who lives or works in a particular place. The noun “residency” refers to the state of being a resident or a period of living in a particular place.

Etymology of the word Resident

The word “resident” comes from the Latin “residens,” the present participle of “residere,” meaning “to remain, to dwell, to settle.” This is composed of “re-” (back, again) and “sedere” (to sit). It entered English in the late 14th century, initially referring to someone who resides in a place, and later gaining its more specific legal and administrative connotations.

Related Concepts

Understanding the distinction between “citizens” and “residents” often involves legal and political concepts of nationality, domicile, and allegiance. A “national” is a broader term, referring to anyone owing allegiance to a state, which includes citizens but can also include non-citizen subjects or protected persons. “Domicile” refers to a person’s permanent legal home, which may or may not be where they currently reside, and is crucial for legal matters like taxation and inheritance. The concept of “legal status” dictates the rights and responsibilities an individual holds within a given jurisdiction, with citizens typically enjoying the fullest range of these.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” (Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, referring to the collective body of citizens)
• “No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.” (Article I, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, outlining requirements for Senators)
• “The city council announced a new initiative to gather feedback from all local residents regarding urban development plans.” (News report, emphasizing local inhabitants)
• “He was a permanent resident of Canada, but not yet a naturalized citizen, so he could not vote in federal elections.” (Fictional narrative, highlighting the distinction in legal rights)
• “The hotel offers discounted rates for year-round residents of the island.” (Travel advertisement, referring to people living there permanently)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. Only registered ___________ are eligible to cast a ballot in the upcoming presidential election.
2. The new recycling program applies to all ___________ of the apartment building.
3. To become a naturalized ___________, one must typically meet residency requirements and pass a civics test.
4. Many college students are temporary ___________ of the university town, returning home for holidays.
5. The government launched a campaign to encourage greater civic engagement among its young ___________.

Answer Key

1. citizens
2. residents
3. citizen
4. residents
5. citizens

Citizens Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
National	A person who owes allegiance to a particular state and is entitled to its protection. (Broader than citizen)
Subject	A person owing allegiance to a monarch or state. (Often used in monarchies)
Elector	A person who has the right to vote in an election. (Emphasizes voting right)
Constituent	A member of a constituency; a person who is represented by an elected official.

Residents Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Inhabitant	A person or animal that lives in or occupies a place.
Dweller	A person or animal that lives in a specified place.
Occupant	A person who resides or is present in a place or at a particular time.
Denizen	An inhabitant or occupant of a particular place. (Often implies a long-standing presence)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can a person be a resident without being a citizen?
Yes, absolutely. Many people live in a country as legal residents (e.g., green card holders, visa holders, asylum seekers) without having the full legal and political rights of a citizen. They are subject to the laws of that country and often pay taxes, but cannot vote in national elections or hold certain public offices.

Question 2: Are all citizens considered residents?
Generally, yes. A citizen is typically a resident of their country of citizenship, even if they temporarily reside abroad. However, the term “resident” can also refer more specifically to where a person physically lives, meaning a citizen might be a “resident” of a particular state or city, while simultaneously being a “citizen” of the larger nation.

Question 3: What are the main differences in rights between a citizen and a permanent resident?
The primary differences typically revolve around political rights: citizens can vote in all elections, run for public office, and cannot be deported (except in rare cases of denaturalization for fraud). Permanent residents usually cannot vote in federal elections, cannot hold certain government jobs, and can be deported if they commit serious crimes or violate immigration laws.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between “citizens” and “residents” is crucial for precise communication, especially in legal, governmental, and demographic contexts. While both terms refer to people within a given territory, “citizens” emphasizes full legal and political membership with associated rights and responsibilities, whereas “residents” merely indicates physical dwelling or presence. Recognizing this nuance allows for accurate description of an individual’s status and entitlements. Pro Tip: Always consider the specific legal and political implications when choosing between “citizen” and “resident” to ensure clarity and avoid misrepresenting an individual’s standing within a community or nation.