Precious

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Precious" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express affection or value towards someone or something. An example is: "She held the locket close, calling it her precious keepsake." Alternative expressions include "cherished" and "valuable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have a precious opportunity, and an important responsibility, in explaining and demonstrating how faith in Islam can be part of British identity.

The Guardian

Yet, although even the IMF is crying out for the classic Keynesian boost to infrastructure spending, there is precious little sign of a favourable response from policymakers, especially in the beleaguered eurozone.

The Guardian

Musicians need to survive, and there's precious little money around.

The Guardian - Music

But at the same time, those recent warnings from the internet pioneer Vint Cerf about storage technologies becoming obsolete and the advent of a "digital dark age" highlight a profound fear: precious things are now only a corrupted hard drive or system upgrade away from being lost, for good.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their vote is far too precious to bestow on any of the parties on offer.

The Guardian - Opinion

After recent rises, gold and silver prices slipped back, leaving Randgold Resources 204p lower at £46.27 and Mexican precious metals miner Fresnillo down 33p at 852p.

The Guardian - Business

It's not a great leap to deduce therefore that you've almost certainly been brain-zapped hundreds of times and that precious memory of going on holiday last year is entirely fictitious.

The Guardian - Film

And the more horrific the circumstances, the more needful, the more precious, the more costly is the truth".

The Guardian

Don't be precious about it – going one size bigger than usual might help avoid bulging.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With smoke still rising from the ruins of Krásna Hôrka on Monday, police announced that the most precious collections and documents had been rescued from the flames.

The Guardian - Opinion

Parker has given my life a precious new layer; a glowing aggregate of thousands of small moments of joy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "precious" to describe mundane items, as it can dilute its impact and sound contrived.

Common error

In formal or professional writing, avoid using "precious" when describing something that is simply useful or necessary. Instead, opt for terms like "valuable", "essential", or "important" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "precious" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate high value, endearment, or importance. This aligns with Ludwig's AI's assessment of the phrase and the example sentences provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "precious" functions primarily as an adjective to denote high value, either monetary or emotional. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across diverse contexts. While generally appropriate for neutral and informal settings, writers should exercise caution in formal or scientific writing, opting for more specific terms when necessary. As shown from the high number of examples, “precious” is a very common word. When looking for a good alternative, consider "valuable", "cherished", or "treasured" depending on context. Usage tips include ensuring context clarifies intended meaning (monetary or emotional value) and avoiding overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cherished

Emphasizes emotional significance and affectionate regard.

Treasured

Highlights the act of holding something in high esteem and protecting it.

Dear

Implies affection and closeness, often used in personal relationships.

Valuable

Focuses on monetary or material worth, less on emotional value.

Invaluable

Highlights the essential nature and irreplaceable quality of something.

Priceless

Suggests that something is so valuable that its worth cannot be measured in monetary terms.

Beloved

Conveys deep love and affection, typically for people.

Adored

Expresses intense love and admiration.

Esteemed

Indicates respect and admiration, often in formal contexts.

Highly valued

A more formal way of expressing that something is considered important.

FAQs

How can I use "precious" in a sentence?

You can use "precious" to describe something of great value, either monetary or sentimental. For example, "The crown was adorned with precious jewels" or "My daughter's smile is my most precious possession."

What words can I use instead of "precious"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "valuable", "cherished", "treasured", or "beloved".

Is it correct to say 'a precious opportunity'?

Yes, it is correct. "Precious opportunity" signifies a valuable or rare opportunity that should not be missed. As seen in the examples, Ludwig confirms this usage.

What's the difference between 'precious' and 'expensive'?

"Precious" implies a high value that can be either monetary or sentimental, while "expensive" refers specifically to a high monetary cost. Something "precious" may not necessarily be expensive, and vice versa.