belong to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belong to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is a part of a group, category, or organization. Example: "These books belong to the science fiction genre, showcasing imaginative and futuristic concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have to belong to something.

The New York Times

"If I didn't belong to something at work, it'd be hard to belong to something anywhere".

The New York Times

They want to feel that they belong to something.

Independent

They know they belong to something bigger than themselves.

The New York Times

Her works belong to something greater than herself.

The New York Times - Books

Why? "Maybe I just wanted to belong to something".

The Guardian - Film

"People need to feel like they belong to something.

The New York Times

"Boys who wanted to belong to something that had notoriety to it".

The New Yorker

"People don't just want to buy something, they want to belong to something.

The Guardian

They apply and they stay because they want to belong to something bigger than themselves.

The New York Times

"When you come out of jail the thing that everybody wants is to belong to something.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "belong to something" to emphasize the importance of social connection and identity, especially when discussing community, teamwork, or shared purpose. Frame your sentences to highlight the positive impact of being part of something larger than oneself.

Common error

While versatile, "belong to something" can sound overly formal in very casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "be part of" or "fit in" when speaking informally to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belong to something" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating membership, affiliation, or connection to a group, organization, or idea. Ludwig confirms this phrase is valid and widely used. The examples illustrate its use in expressing a sense of identity and purpose derived from being part of something larger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "belong to something" is a versatile and widely used expression denoting membership, connection, and a sense of identity. It is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig. While generally neutral in tone, its usage often implies a deeper emotional connection. As Ludwig examples showcase, the phrase frequently appears in news, academic, and business contexts, highlighting its broad applicability in conveying the human need for social bonds and shared purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel a sense of belonging

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of being connected.

be part of a group

Focuses on the aspect of being included in a collective.

be a member of

Highlights formal enrollment in a group or organization.

be associated with

Indicates a connection or link to something else.

be connected to

Highlights the link or relationship with something.

be affiliated with

Highlights a formal connection or association.

find a sense of community

Emphasizes the experience of discovering a group.

identify with a community

Focuses on shared values and identity within a group.

be integrated into

Suggests a complete assimilation or merging with something.

be aligned with

Highlights shared goals, interests or beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "belong to something" in a sentence?

You can use "belong to something" to express a sense of connection or membership within a group or organization. For example, "Joining the club made me feel like I "belonged to something" special."

What's the difference between "belong to something" and "be part of something"?

While similar, "belong to something" often implies a deeper emotional connection or commitment, whereas "be part of something" can be more general and refer to a simple inclusion.

What can I say instead of "belong to something"?

Alternatives include "be affiliated with", "be associated with", or "be connected to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always positive to "belong to something"?

While generally positive, the context matters. "Belonging to something" can be negative if it involves harmful activities or ideologies, like belonging to a criminal organization. The value depends on what one belongs to.