brands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific companies or products that are recognized by their names or logos. Example: "The market is flooded with various brands, each competing for consumer attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guardian Labs - which launched in 2014 with a seven-figure Unilever campaign (the award-winning Live Better Challenge) - is rooted in the philosophy of 'Open Ideas', and collaborates with brands and advertisers to create innovative and authentic branded content.

The Guardian

Guardian News and Media (GNM) today officially launches Guardian Labs - its branded content and innovation agency - which offers brands bold and compelling new ways to tell their stories and engage with influential Guardian audiences.

The Guardian

Richard Locke, a political scientist at M.I.T. who is an expert on global supply chains and the author of the new book "The Promise and Limits of Private Power," told me, "Instead of buying lots of inventory with long lead times, brands wait as long as possible before ordering".

The Economist

The big banks have the further advantage of their brands, however tattered the brands may be.

The Economist

"Like all good digital content brands, the Labor Herald will focus on collaborating with and engaging an audience on whatever device or platform they choose to use (it doesn't really matter whether it's email, website, video or social media).

The Guardian

While the practice has mainly been restricted to finishing off performances of actors who died midway through filming – such as Paul Walker in Fast and Furious 7 – it has also been utilised by advertisers, keen to attach famous faces to their brands.

The Guardian

The Lad Bible has become something of an underground viral phenomenon, claiming more than 17 million followers across its brands on social media such as Facebook.

The Guardian

Every five days if you're Kim Kardashian When I visited the Poundland warehouse to investigate its last round of successes, I was struck by the way the shop makes you aware of your relationship with brands, and how one judges a product's value when everything's a fixed price.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The RSPH also wants tight controls on the promotion of e-cigarettes, such as the endorsement of particular brands by celebrities such as Mischa Barton, Bruno Mars and Rick Rock, and their positioning in shops, which can often be close to confectionery.

The Guardian

With 25 brands in the stable, selling everything from denim to tailoring and sportswear, the sheer variety of Ralph Lauren means it has appeal across consumer groups.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has also taken on major corporations and brands on issues such as deforestation, pollution, ocean welfare and more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a company's overall image or reputation, use "brands". If you're talking about a specific product, "brand name" or "product line" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Be careful not to use "brands" when you mean "branding". "Brands" refers to the commercial identities, while "branding" refers to the marketing practice of shaping those identities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brands" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to multiple commercial entities or products distinguished by a particular name or symbol. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and well-established.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brands" functions as a common plural noun, widely accepted and used to refer to commercial identities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts. While semantically related alternatives like "brand names" or "product lines" exist, "brands" offers a broader perspective on a company's or product's overall image. Be mindful of the distinction between "brands" and "branding" to ensure accuracy in your writing. Its frequent use in News & Media further solidify its validity as a word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Brand names

Refers specifically to the names used to identify and differentiate products or companies.

Trademarks

Highlights the legally protected symbols or designs representing a company.

Product identities

Highlights the distinctiveness and recognition factor of a specific product.

Corporate identities

Emphasizes the visual and communicative aspects of a company's image.

Company images

Refers to the overall perception of a company held by the public.

Product lines

Focuses on the specific products offered by a company rather than the overall brand identity.

Labels

Focuses on the identifying marks attached to products, indicating origin and ownership.

Commercial entities

Highlights the companies as business operators.

Makes of product

Refers to the manufacturers of specific products.

Business houses

Old fashioned, business operators.

FAQs

What is the difference between "brands" and "brand names"?

"Brands" is a broader term encompassing the overall image and reputation of a company or product, while "brand names" specifically refers to the names used to identify and differentiate them.

When is it appropriate to use "brands" in a sentence?

Use "brands" when you are referring to multiple commercial identities collectively, such as "Consumers are increasingly loyal to sustainable brands".

What are some synonyms for "brands" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "labels", "trademarks", or "product lines" instead of "brands".

How do I avoid misusing the term "brands" in my writing?

Ensure you are referring to commercial identities and not confusing it with the process of creating a brand (branding), or the reputation and image of a brand ("brand equity").