belongs to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belongs to" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when describing ownership of something, such as in the sentence, "This book belongs to my brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tibet belongs to Tibetans.

The New York Times

China belongs to everyone.

The New York Times

"Belongs to the parish.

The New York Times

It belongs to everyone".

Independent

It belongs to several.

The New York Times

Lincoln belongs to both.

The New Yorker

Nothing belongs to you.

The New York Times

"She belongs to us".

The New Yorker

Tomorrow belongs to Asia.

The Economist

"It belongs to you.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The museum belongs to Miami.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "belongs to", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity about ownership or association.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "belongs to" implies absolute ownership. Clearly specify the extent of ownership or association to prevent misinterpretations. For instance, clarify if it's a shared ownership or a temporary association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belongs to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating ownership, affiliation, or association. It connects a subject to an object, specifying to whom or what something is related. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showing how the phrase establishes relationships between entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "belongs to" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates ownership, association, or membership. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using "belongs to", clarity is key, ensuring that the subject and object are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives like "is owned by" or "is associated with" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively employ "belongs to" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is owned by

Focuses specifically on the act of owning something.

is the property of

Emphasizes legal ownership or possession.

is associated with

Indicates a connection or relationship, not necessarily ownership.

is connected to

Highlights a link or association between two things.

is part of

Suggests inclusion within a larger group or entity.

is attributed to

Indicates that something is caused or created by someone or something.

is under the control of

Emphasizes authority and management.

is in the domain of

Specifies a field of expertise or responsibility.

is the responsibility of

Indicates who is accountable for something.

is affiliated with

Suggests a formal association or partnership.

FAQs

How can I use "belongs to" in a sentence?

Use "belongs to" to indicate ownership, association, or membership. For example, "This book "belongs to" John", or "She "belongs to" the club".

What are some alternatives to saying "belongs to"?

You can use alternatives such as "is owned by", "is the property of", or "is associated with", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "belongs to" when referring to abstract concepts?

Yes, "belongs to" can be used for abstract concepts. For example, "The future "belongs to" those who believe in the beauty of their dreams".

What's the difference between "belongs to" and "is part of"?

"Belongs to" usually indicates ownership or a close association, while "is part of" implies inclusion within a larger group or entity. For example, "This key "belongs to" this lock", but "This wheel "is part of" the car".