alms

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "alms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to money, food, or other kinds of help given to people who are poor or in need. For example: "Every day, the church collects alms at Mass to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

There is not even a proper definition of the term, which could mean anything from what a village priest provides when handing out alms to what state banks and credit unions offer to their least affluent clients.

The Economist

They also, in effect, excommunicated the military and their families by announcing they would refuse to accept alms from them a serious matter in a devout country.Setting out at 1pm each day from the golden Shwedagon pagoda Myanmar's most sacred shrine a seemingly endless line of shaven-headed monks, many barefoot, has passed through the streets of Yangon.

The Economist

Three days before this week's anniversary, a soldier was killed by a bomb as he guarded monks begging for alms in Narathiwat city, the capital of the province in which Tak Bai is situated.

The Economist

Moreover, inter-church competition for alms goads pastors into one-upmanship, sending their congregations on ever-riskier missions to reap the resulting publicity.The Korean press has been seized by the crisis in Afghanistan.

The Economist

The vast, low-lying sprawl of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, may soon be relieved by a pair of graceful skyscrapers, but some still recall the beggarwomen who used to squat in the dust by the gates of the king's mudbrick palace, whimpering for alms.

The Economist

These are hopelessly corrupted.Most of the poorest villagers seem to get alms of some sort.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The report, by academics at the University of Delhi, also wants the public to be educated about the "evils of alms-giving", which "promotes parasites".In this section Wounded but still dangerous Street life A museum boom Thriving yet threatened The $1m question Something still rotten ReprintsThe report entailed the fullest survey ever conducted of Delhi's beggars.

The Economist

Mr Bondevik, a teetotal Lutheran priest, also declined to reduce Norway's enormous levies on alcoholic drinks.Mr Hagen says the people can have their tax cuts, cheap booze, better highways, more prisons, affordable cars and fewer alms-seeking immigrants.

The Economist

Like many others he had been a dek wat, a "temple kid", washing the monks' dishes and carrying their alms-bowls.

The Economist

In this enumeration of virtues, we find selfless giving understood not simply as alms-giving or "charity," but as the total, compassionate activity of bodhisattvas for whom meritorious action leading to enlightenment and the giving of their own merit to others are interfused.

SEP

Many nineteenth- and early twentieth century accounts of Aquinas took it that the first principles of practical reason, which he regularly calls first principles of natural law or natural right, are moral principles picking out kinds of human act as to be done (e.g. alms-giving to the poor) or not done (e.g. murder, adultery), in the manner of the Commandments.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alms", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the generally religious or historical connotations of the word. It is most appropriate when describing traditional acts of charity.

Common error

Avoid using "alms" in contemporary settings where more general terms like "donations" or "charity" might be more suitable. Using "alms" too broadly can sound antiquated or out of touch.

Linguistic Context

The noun "alms" functions primarily as a noun referring to something given to the poor or needy as charity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from religious donations to historical practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "alms" is a grammatically sound noun denoting charitable giving, particularly to the poor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid term in English, primarily used to describe donations. Ludwig's examples highlight its occurrence in religious, historical, and socio-economic contexts. While common, especially in news and encyclopedic sources, its use in modern contexts may require consideration of more contemporary alternatives such as "charity" or "donations". Understanding its connotations and historical significance is crucial for appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charitable giving

Focuses on the act of giving to charity, a more general term than "alms".

donations to the poor

Specifically refers to contributions made to benefit impoverished individuals.

contributions to the needy

Highlights the recipients' state of need.

charity

A broader term encompassing various forms of aid and support.

offerings for the impoverished

Suggests a more formal or religious context of giving.

benevolence

Emphasizes the kindly and generous nature of giving.

aid to the destitute

Focuses on helping those who are extremely poor and lacking basic necessities.

handouts

Implies a less structured and potentially less dignified form of assistance.

poor relief

A historical term for systems of providing aid to the poor.

financial assistance

Specifically denotes monetary support.

FAQs

How can I use "alms" in a sentence?

You can use "alms" to describe something given to the poor as charity. For example, "She gave weekly "alms" to the poor".

What's a good substitute for the word "alms"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "charity", "donations", or "handouts". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "alms" in a business context?

While not strictly incorrect, using "alms" in a business context is uncommon. Terms like "corporate giving" or "philanthropy" are generally more appropriate.

What is the origin of the word "alms"?

The word "alms" comes from the Old English word "ælmesse", which is derived from the Greek word "eleemosyne", meaning pity or compassion.