ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ordinary people

compound.
A2 Elementary Oxford

compound. Regular people, not people who are famous, rich, or have special power.

compound. The general public or populace, as distinct from those with special status, wealth, or power.


SIMPLE

Ordinary people just want to live a quiet life.

CONTEXTUAL

The new policy will have a big impact on the lives of ordinary people.

COMPLEX

The film explores how grand historical events are experienced not by leaders, but by the ordinary people caught up in them.

Usage

This phrase is often used to contrast with the government, the wealthy, or other powerful groups.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'the man in the street' (a singular, often male-coded representative) or 'the general public' (more formal); 'ordinary people' is plural and common in political or social discussions.

Pitfall

An ordinary people thinks...Ordinary people think...'People' is a plural noun, so it takes a plural verb and is not used with the singular article 'an'.

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