British

[kyawwin]

Are these sentences correct?
1.He is British.
2. He is a British.
3. He is a British citizen.
4. He is an American.
5. He is a Japanese.

 

[TheParser]

3. He is a British citizen.

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

At another grammar helpline, I was told that the British people are not offended if you simply say that "He is a Brit."

 

[Tdol]

I don't know any Brits who would be offended by that.

 

[Matthew Wai]

http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/briton
Having read the above, I think 'He is a Briton' is possible in newspapers.

5. He is a Japanese. Not very natural. More natural without 'a'.

I think this is because such words as Japanese, Chinese and Portuguese are usually used as an adjective.

 

[SoothingDave]

I think of "Briton" as the formal or full version of "Brit." I don't know how the British think of it.

Like "Yanks" is sometimes used for "Yankees."

 

[tzfujimino]

I think this is because such words as Japanese, Chinese and Portuguese are usually used as an adjective.

I agree.:-D

 

[Rover_KE]

So do I, tz, but clicking 'Like' should obviate the need for a post to say so.

 

[Roman55]

I don't know any Brits who would be offended by that.

I am not a teacher.

I wouldn't say that I was offended by it, but I have heard it used pejoratively.

 

[Tdol]

I wouldn't say that I was offended by it, but I have heard it used pejoratively.

It would depend on the context, but I don't think it is the word itself that would be the problem.

 

[Tdol]

I think of "Briton" as the formal or full version of "Brit." I don't know how the British think of it.

To be honest, I don't see Briton used that much nowadays, though Matthew is right that it is used in newspapers, when reporting, say, deaths or accidents.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

Who's Martin?

 

[Matthew Wai]

There is no Martin but Matthew in this thread.

 

[Tdol]

Sorry, my bad. Now corrected.

 

[Barb_D]

I remember reading in a different thread a little about the term "Britisher" and that it was perjorative — but not much else. While we are in this thread, could someone refresh my memory?

 

[SoothingDave]

To be honest, I don't see Briton used that much nowadays, though Matthew is right that it is used in newspapers, when reporting, say, deaths or accidents.

"Briton" definitely has an antique ring to it. Or maybe it's just from Holy Grail "You're the Britons, and I am your king!"

 

[Tdol]

I remember reading in a different thread a little about the term "Britisher" and that it was pejorative — but not much else. While we are in this thread, could someone refresh my memory?

I have heard South Asian speakers use Britisher without intending it to be pejorative.