all material things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all material things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to physical objects or tangible items in a general sense. Example: "In this universe, all material things are subject to the laws of physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Presumably – like all material things in the universe – Wade-Gery's husband, farmer Simon Roberts, has an age too.

Independent

The discrete electromagnetic radiation energies hν emitted or absorbed by all substances reflect the discreteness of the internal energies of all material things.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Italians are rich in all material things–save life.

Forbes

All material things are concrete but some concrete things might be immaterial.

SEP

He suggests that since all material things resist pressure to some extent, they all have one or another degree of solidity.

SEP

All material things are composed of atoms that have no qualities or attributes but simply make up the shape of the body.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

My mother always said, "All the money, all the material things..you can't take those to your grave".

Huffington Post

My mother always said, "All the money, all the material things..you can't take those to your grave". Watch this video presentation to a room full of entrepreneurs on "How to take care of yourself before you take care of others".

HuffPost

All the material things in world can't make people happy".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've got all the material things a man could want".

The New York Times - Sports

There's still a long way to go before the average Chinese person has all the material things of life".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, ensure the context clearly distinguishes "all material things" from non-material aspects like ideas or emotions. For example, "While love is important, "all material things" are subject to decay."

Common error

Avoid implying that "all material things" are inherently valuable or necessary for happiness. Overemphasizing material possessions can create a negative tone. Instead, focus on their role in specific contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all material things" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the entirety of tangible, physical items. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in philosophical, economic, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all material things" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for referring to tangible possessions and physical objects in general, although its frequency is uncommon. Ludwig's analysis shows its versatility across various contexts, from philosophical discussions to everyday conversations. While generally neutral, its use can subtly imply materialism, so context is crucial. As Ludwig AI pointed out, several alternatives exist, such as "everything tangible" or "all physical possessions", that might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning and audience. Be mindful of overemphasizing material possessions as essential for happiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything tangible

Replaces "material things" with a more concise term, focusing on tangibility.

all physical items

Simple and direct replacement, focusing on the physical aspect.

all physical possessions

Substitutes "material things" with a more specific term referring to ownership.

all tangible objects

Focuses on the object aspect, highlighting that these things can be touched or felt.

every worldly asset

Emphasizes the worldly nature of possessions, implying a focus on earthly concerns.

all worldly goods

Highlights the economic aspect of possessions, implying trade or value.

all concrete entities

Replaces "material things" with a philosophical term indicating real, existing items.

every item of property

Emphasizes the legal aspect of ownership and possessions.

everything corporeal

Uses a formal term indicating the physical or bodily nature of possessions.

every piece of matter

Highlights the composition of the material, rather than its purpose or value.

FAQs

How can I use "all material things" in a sentence?

You can use "all material things" to refer to tangible possessions or physical objects in a general sense. For example: "Despite his wealth, he understood that happiness wasn't about "material things"."

What is a good alternative to "all material things"?

Alternatives include phrases like "everything tangible", "all physical possessions", or "all tangible objects" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "all of material things" instead of "all material things"?

While "all of the material things" is grammatically correct, "all material things" is generally more concise and common. The inclusion of "of the" doesn't substantially alter the meaning.

What's the difference between "material things" and "worldly possessions"?

"Material things" refers generally to tangible items, while "worldly possessions" often implies a focus on wealth or status. "Worldly possessions" suggests a connection to earthly concerns and may carry a connotation of materialism.