foreign correspondent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; common in news, media, and political discourse.
Quick answer
What does “foreign correspondent” mean?
A journalist who reports from a foreign country for a newspaper, broadcaster, or news agency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A journalist who reports from a foreign country for a newspaper, broadcaster, or news agency.
A reporter stationed in another country who provides on-the-ground coverage of events, politics, culture, and conflicts, often developing deep expertise in that region.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties. However, British media historically had more extensive networks of foreign correspondents, influencing its slightly more traditional connotation in UK English.
Connotations
UK: Slightly more associated with establishment broadcasters (BBC) and broadsheet newspapers. US: More frequently associated with major TV networks and global news agencies.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties, though 'foreign reporter' or 'international correspondent' are common American alternatives.
Grammar
How to Use “foreign correspondent” in a Sentence
[Publication/Network]'s foreign correspondent in [Country/City]foreign correspondent for [Publication/Network]foreign correspondent covering [Region/Conflict]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foreign correspondent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She hopes to foreign-correspond from Kyiv for the BBC.
- He has been foreign-corresponding for decades.
American English
- She aims to foreign-correspond from the Middle East for CNN.
- He foreign-corresponded during the conflict.
adverb
British English
- He reported foreign-correspondently from the front lines.
- She filed her story foreign-correspondently.
American English
- He writes foreign-correspondently for the Times.
- She analyzed the situation foreign-correspondently.
adjective
British English
- She took a foreign-correspondent role.
- His foreign-correspondent career was illustrious.
American English
- She landed a foreign-correspondent position.
- The foreign-correspondent life is demanding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to media staffing and newsgathering operations in international markets.
Academic
Studied in media studies, journalism, and international relations for its role in shaping foreign perception.
Everyday
Used when discussing news sources or notable journalists reporting from abroad.
Technical
A specific job title within news organizations with defined roles in the editorial hierarchy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foreign correspondent”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foreign correspondent”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foreign correspondent”
- Using 'foreign journalist' interchangeably (it's broader and less specific).
- Misspelling as 'foriegn correspondent'.
- Confusing with 'foreign correspondent' as in letter-writing (archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A foreign correspondent is typically a full-time, salaried employee of a news organization based in a foreign bureau. A 'stringer' is a freelance journalist hired on a per-story or temporary basis, often locally based, and may not have the same level of institutional support or job security.
Yes, it is possible but less common. Typically, a foreign correspondent is sent by a news organization from its home country to report on a foreign country for its domestic audience. However, a local journalist hired by an international outlet to report on their own country for a foreign audience might be given this title, though 'local correspondent' is also used.
Not exactly. A 'war correspondent' is a type of foreign correspondent who specializes in reporting from conflict zones. All war correspondents are foreign correspondents when reporting outside their home country, but not all foreign correspondents cover wars; they may cover politics, economics, or culture.
The digital age has increased the pressure for instantaneous reporting (via social media, live blogs) and often requires multimedia skills (video, podcasts). While travel is still essential, some analytical and commentary work can be done remotely, potentially reducing the number of permanently stationed correspondents in favour of regional hubs and more frequent travel from a home base.
A journalist who reports from a foreign country for a newspaper, broadcaster, or news agency.
Foreign correspondent is usually formal to neutral; common in news, media, and political discourse. in register.
Foreign correspondent: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɒr.ɪn ˌkɒr.ɪˈspɒn.dənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːr.ɪn ˌkɔːr.ɪˈspɑːn.dənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have a correspondent's eye”
- “to file a dispatch (related action)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'correspondent' who 'corresponds' (writes/reports) from 'foreign' lands.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CORRESPONDENT IS A BRIDGE (between the foreign event and the domestic audience).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the primary defining feature of a 'foreign correspondent'?