belonging to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belonging to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate possession or association with a particular entity or group. Example: "The documents belonging to the previous owner were found in the attic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"It's belonging to something bigger, which is dance.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was about belonging to something," he says, speaking in Swedish through a translator.

The Guardian

And a sense of belonging to something more necessary than shopping and party-going.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It gives them an identity, a sense of belonging to something stronger than their village traditions.

The New Yorker

At Gonzaga, Dickau found something else he was seeking: a sense of belonging to something more than a basketball team.

The New York Times - Sports

Being a supporter brings the pleasure of belonging, which, by implication, acknowledges the pleasure others receive from belonging to something else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

You have to belong to something.

The New York Times

The new bro belongs to something.

The Guardian - Film

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "belonging to something" to emphasize the emotional or psychological benefits of being part of a group, organization, or community. It highlights the feeling of connection and acceptance that individuals derive from these affiliations.

Common error

Avoid using "belonging to something" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. In such contexts, consider using more precise terms like "affiliated with", "a component of", or "part of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belonging to something" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe a noun or pronoun. It conveys a sense of connection, affiliation, or membership.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "belonging to something" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the feeling of being connected to a group, organization, or cause. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively communicates the emotional and psychological benefits derived from such affiliations. While versatile, it's advisable to use more precise terms in highly formal contexts. Alternatives include "being part of", "affiliated with", and "connected to". The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse settings, ranging from news reports to personal narratives. Its frequency across various authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, underscores its widespread usage and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being part of something

Focuses on the state of inclusion rather than the sense of ownership or connection.

affiliated with something

Highlights a formal association or connection, often in an organizational context.

connected to something

Emphasizes a link or relationship, which may not necessarily imply membership.

associated with something

Similar to 'connected to', but suggests a more recognized or public relationship.

a member of something

Specifically indicates formal membership within a group or organization.

having a place in something

Implies a role or position within a system or structure.

integrated into something

Suggests a process of becoming a functional part of a whole.

aligned with something

Highlights agreement or support for a cause, idea, or organization.

identified with something

Indicates a strong personal connection or association, often emotional or ideological.

owing allegiance to something

Implies a sense of duty or loyalty, often to a nation, cause, or leader.

FAQs

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

You can use "belonging to something" to describe the feeling of being connected to a group or cause, as in "Volunteering gave her a sense of "belonging to something" larger than herself".

What are some alternatives to "belonging to something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "being part of", "affiliated with", or "connected to".

Is it grammatically correct to say "belonging to something"?

Yes, "belonging to something" is grammatically correct. It is a prepositional phrase often used to describe a sense of connection or membership.

What does "belonging to something" mean?

"Belonging to something" refers to the feeling of being connected to or part of a group, organization, or community. It implies a sense of acceptance, identity, and purpose derived from this association.