Are you a native of or in this city?

[l3376876]

If you want to ask someone if s/he grew up in this city, how would you ask? Are you a native "in this city" or "of this city?" If both are acceptable, are there any tricky differences?

 

[kayokid]

Hello. "Are you a native of this city/of Chicago?" is correct. In this sentence "in this city" does not work. Hope this helps.

 

[l3376876]

Thanks, kayokid. It helps tons.

 

[lizparcoeur]

I would ask: "Did you grow up in this town?" or "Are you a native of this town?"

 

[Not Logged In]

It's best to avoid the word native especially if applied to a person of colour as it has offensive colonial overtones.

" The loaded terms ‘native’ and ‘indigenous’ are the subject of much debate in activist circles. Native still has a colonial ring in many parts of the world, though it has become an acceptable label in North America."
http://www.newhumanist.org.uk/volume118issue3_comments.php?id=68_0_21_0_C

 

[l3376876]

It's best to avoid the word native especially if applied to a person of colour as it has offensive colonial overtones.

" The loaded terms ‘native’ and ‘indigenous’ are the subject of much debate in activist circles. Native still has a colonial ring in many parts of the world, though it has become an acceptable label in North America."
http://www.newhumanist.org.uk/volume118issue3_comments.php?id=68_0_21_0_C

Thanks, Not Logged In, for your thoughtfulness and lenience.

 

[Ari's Student]

I believe most native speakers would ask, "Are you from here?" or "Are you from (fill in the name of the city)?"