A2 adjective Neutral #430 most common

local

/ˈloʊ.kəl/

Relating to a particular area, city, or neighborhood near you. It describes things, people, or services that belong to the specific place where you are currently located.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually buy my fresh vegetables at the local market.

I usually buy my fresh vegetables at the market in my neighborhood.

2

The local authorities have implemented new parking regulations.

The government officials of this area have started new rules for parking.

3

Let's head down to the local for a quick coffee.

Let's go to the nearby cafe for a quick coffee.

Word Family

Noun
local
Verb
localize
Adverb
locally
Adjective
local
Related
locality
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Location'. A 'local' shop is one in your current 'location'.

Quick Quiz

If you want to know the best restaurants, you should ask a ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: local

Examples

1

I usually buy my fresh vegetables at the local market.

everyday

I usually buy my fresh vegetables at the market in my neighborhood.

2

The local authorities have implemented new parking regulations.

formal

The government officials of this area have started new rules for parking.

3

Let's head down to the local for a quick coffee.

informal

Let's go to the nearby cafe for a quick coffee.

4

Local ecosystems are often the first to show signs of climate change.

academic

Biological environments in specific areas often show signs of climate change first.

5

Our strategy is to partner with local businesses to reduce shipping costs.

business

Our plan is to work with businesses in the area to lower delivery prices.

Word Family

Noun
local
Verb
localize
Adverb
locally
Adjective
local
Related
locality

Common Collocations

local community the people living in a specific area
local government the administration of a town or county
local news information about events happening nearby
local food products grown or made in the immediate area
local area the region surrounding a specific place

Common Phrases

local color

the interesting details that make a place unique

local time

the time in the specific zone you are in

act local

taking action that benefits your immediate surroundings

Often Confused With

local vs native

Local refers to where something is situated now, while native refers to where something or someone originated by birth.

local vs national

National refers to an entire country, whereas local refers only to a small, specific part of it.

📝

Usage Notes

Local is most commonly used as an adjective before a noun. However, in informal British English, 'the local' often refers specifically to the nearest pub.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'local' only as an adjective and forget it can be a noun (plural: locals) to describe people who live in the area.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Location'. A 'local' shop is one in your current 'location'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'localis', which comes from 'locus', meaning 'place'.

Grammar Patterns

Attributive adjective (usually placed before a noun) Countable noun in its plural form (the locals)
🌍

Cultural Context

In many cultures, supporting 'local' businesses is seen as an ethical choice to sustain the neighborhood economy.

Quick Quiz

If you want to know the best restaurants, you should ask a ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: local

Related Words

bluster

C1

Bluster refers to loud, aggressive, or indignant talk that carries little sting or power and is often intended to intimidate. It suggests a noisy way of speaking that lacks substance or the actual ability to carry out threats.

bogus

C1

Describes something that is not genuine, counterfeit, or intentionally fraudulent. It is often used in academic and legal contexts to refer to claims, documents, or entities that have been fabricated to deceive others.

boisterous

C1

Describes someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and cheerful, often in a way that is slightly out of control. It is frequently used for groups of people, activities, or natural forces like wind and waves.

bombard

C1

To attack or subject someone or something to a continuous flow of objects, questions, or information. In academic and scientific contexts, it specifically refers to directing a stream of particles or radiation at a substance to induce a reaction.

adverse

C1

Adverse describes conditions, effects, or events that are harmful, unfavorable, or contrary to one's interests or success. It is most commonly used in formal, technical, or medical contexts to indicate that something is working against a desired outcome.

bombastic

C1

Describing speech, writing, or behavior that is high-sounding and inflated but with little actual meaning or substance. It is typically used to criticize someone for being pretentious and trying to sound more important or knowledgeable than they truly are.

bondage

C1

Bondage refers to the state of being under the control of another person or system, characterized by a lack of freedom or involuntary servitude. In an academic context, it encompasses legal, social, and economic structures, such as slavery or debt peonage, that restrict an individual's autonomy.

boon

C1

A boon is a timely benefit or blessing that is extremely helpful in a particular situation. It refers to something that makes life easier or provides a significant advantage when most needed.

boorish

C1

Describes behavior that is rough, unrefined, and ill-mannered, typically lacking sensitivity or social grace. It suggests a lack of education or cultural sophistication in social interactions.

bootstrap

C1

To start or develop a process or business using minimal external resources, often relying on existing internal assets or self-funding. In computing and statistics, it refers to a self-starting process that executes without external input or a technique for estimation through resampling.

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