a precious commodity

USAGE SUMMARY

"a precious commodity" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is highly valued or in short supply. For example: - Clean water is a precious commodity in many parts of the world. - Time is a precious commodity and we must use it wisely. - In today's fast-paced society, privacy has become a precious commodity. - In the desert, shade is a precious commodity that must be sought after. - With the increasing demand for energy, renewable sources are becoming a precious commodity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They're a precious commodity".

The New Yorker

Power is a precious commodity.

The New York Times

It's a precious commodity".

The New York Times

And "oyle" was a precious commodity.

The New York Times - Books

In better times, Knicks tickets were a precious commodity.

The New York Times

(Lower Manhattan real estate was a precious commodity even then).

The New York Times

Luck is a precious commodity in the N.F.L.

The New York Times - Sports

Water, a precious commodity there, was used by the truckload.

The New York Times

Sleep is a precious commodity for Donna Campbell these days.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, storage space is no longer a precious commodity.

The Economist

Compromise has been a precious commodity in this Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a precious commodity", ensure the context clearly establishes why the item is considered valuable or scarce. This will enhance the phrase's impact and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "a precious commodity" too frequently in your writing. While appropriate in many contexts, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using alternatives like "valuable asset" or "scarce resource" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precious commodity" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is widely accepted and used, denoting something valuable and often scarce.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a precious commodity" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression used to describe something highly valued and often limited in availability. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "valuable asset" or "scarce resource", it's crucial to ensure its appropriate use, emphasizing both the value and scarcity of the subject. By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A scarce resource

Emphasizes the limited availability of something.

A rare find

Suggests that something is uncommon and difficult to obtain.

A valuable asset

Focuses on the inherent worth and usefulness of something, rather than its scarcity.

An invaluable asset

Underscores the immeasurable worth of something.

A prized possession

Highlights the personal value and importance of something to someone.

A treasure

Implies something is exceptionally valuable and cherished.

A strategic advantage

Emphasizes the importance of something in achieving specific goals.

A hard-won advantage

Highlights the effort required to obtain something beneficial.

A premium product

Focuses on the high quality and desirability of something.

A golden opportunity

Highlights the excellent potential and advantages offered by a particular situation or chance.

FAQs

How can I use "a precious commodity" in a sentence?

You can use "a precious commodity" to describe something that is highly valued and often limited in availability. For example, "In the desert, water is a precious commodity" or "Time is a precious commodity that should be used wisely".

What are some alternatives to saying "a precious commodity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "valuable asset", "scarce resource", or "invaluable asset". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a precious commodity" in formal writing?

Yes, "a precious commodity" is suitable for formal writing, including business reports, academic papers, and news articles. It is a clear and professional way to convey the value and scarcity of something.

What makes something "a precious commodity"?

Something becomes "a precious commodity" when it is both highly valued and limited in supply. This scarcity often increases its desirability and importance, making it something to be carefully managed and appreciated.