belonging

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'belonging' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun and can be used to refer to something that is owned or associated with a person or group. For example: "The sense of belonging created by the community allows members to feel accepted and valued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among the police officers hurt was a woman injured on the hand and another female officer hurt as loyalists smashed up cars belonging to councillors, including that of a Democratic Unionist, and attacked security staff.

The Guardian

Two trawlers belonging to the Pileng fishing company were among the first to arrive at the scene after they received radio messages that the Dalny Vostok was sinking, general director Vasily Velmeskin told Komsomolskaya Pravda.

The Guardian

And there we have it: the actions of a tiny group of individuals is used to smear the millions of people self-identifying as belonging to the left.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Ukip leader later hit out at those with a worrying "anti-rich attitude" after one audience member held up a picture of a mansion belonging to Ukip donor and former treasurer Stuart Wheeler, who is an Eton and Oxford-educated ex-Conservative millionaire.

The Guardian

But the video was not posted on any official accounts belonging to Al-Nusra, which is al-Qaida's Syrian affiliate.

The Guardian

The Cabinet Office discovered that an official mobile phone belonging to Euan Roddin, Carmichael's special adviser, had been used to contact one of the reporters who wrote the Telegraph story.

The Guardian

While most refugees from Sri Lanka are Tamils, it is a mistake to think that people belonging to the Sinhalese majority are not at risk of harm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Devolution in Northern Ireland, as expected, has brought some tough ministerial decisions, particularly those belonging to the big two parties who own the lion's share of ministerial portfolios.

The Guardian - Opinion

The report found that 65% of those deaths took place in a home or vehicle belonging to the victim's family and usually involved guns that were legally owned but not properly secured.

The Guardian

As Ulster loyalists torched offices belonging to the non-sectarian Alliance party, bombarded police with missiles and bottles and threatened to turn Belfast City Hall into a slaughterhouse this week they were oblivious to an apposite event occurring south of the Irish border.

The Guardian

After the murder, Mr Carty used this mobile and Mr Brown used one belonging to the other man to phone their girlfriends, and Mr Carty sold Mr ap Rhys Pryce's phone to a shop assistant for £30 the next day.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "belonging" to emphasize emotional or social connections. For example, "The program fostered a strong sense of belonging among the participants."

Common error

Avoid using "belonging" when you mean "belongings". "Belonging" is a state or feeling, while "belongings" refers to personal possessions. For instance, say "Take all your belongings" not "Take all your belonging".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "belonging" is as a noun, denoting the state of being a member or part of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also function as a present participle of the verb 'belong'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Opinion

15%

General

11%

Less common in

Music

2%

Books

2%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "belonging" is a versatile term that functions primarily as a noun, signifying the state of being a member or part of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it also works as a present participle. Its usage is very common, particularly in news and media, opinion pieces, and general contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to distinguish it from "belongings", which refers to personal possessions. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "sense of community" or "feeling of connection" for variety. Remember, mastering the nuanced use of "belonging" can significantly enrich your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of community

Emphasizes the feeling of being part of a group.

feeling of connection

Highlights the emotional bond and relationship with others or a place.

sense of affiliation

Focuses on formal association or membership within a group.

feeling of acceptance

Stresses the experience of being welcomed and approved by a group.

state of inclusion

Highlights the condition of being included and integrated into a group or society.

right of membership

Focuses on the legal or moral entitlement to be a member of a group.

having a place

Emphasizes the idea of occupying a defined role or position within a system.

being part of

Highlights the act of participation and involvement within a group.

integration into

Focuses on the process of becoming an integral part of a larger entity.

entitlement to ownership

Highlights the legal or moral right to possess something.

FAQs

How can I use "belonging" in a sentence?

You can use "belonging" to describe a feeling of being part of a group or place. For example, "She felt a strong sense of belonging in her new community".

What's the difference between "belonging" and "belongings"?

"Belonging" is a state of being connected or a feeling of being part of something, while "belongings" refers to personal possessions. Don't confuse them!

What can I say instead of "sense of belonging"?

You can use alternatives like "sense of community", "feeling of connection", or "sense of affiliation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a belonging"?

While "belonging" is typically used as an uncountable noun to describe a state or feeling, it can sometimes be used countably to refer to something that is owned, especially in legal or formal contexts.