charitable

USAGE SUMMARY

'charitable' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe an act or action that is motivated by kindness and generosity towards those in need. For example, "The family made a charitable donation to the homeless shelter in their local town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A local school is using rooms in the building during the week (providing income) and a charitable foundation is running children's activities.

The Guardian - Books

Even the most seemingly charitable acts have come under scrutiny.

The Guardian

After all, legacy donations remain the primary way of funding charitable activities.

The Guardian - Opinion

A GuardianNews and Mediaia does operate a charitable giving system for its employees and it also provides an internal match funding initiative for all charitable sponsorship raised by GNM employees.

The Guardian

There is no charitable way to crunch the numbers.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather, they are investments which can reliably generate income – the all-important cash spent on charitable activities.

The Guardian

But who knows at what age Barlow began planning to present the public face of a charitable do-gooder, while secretly scheming to deprive the weak and vulnerable of succour, if indeed he ever did so?

The Guardian - Opinion

"The bar at which we now look for charitable support is falling.

The Guardian

Its basic recommendation was for the long-term unemployed to be supported back into work not by jobcentres, but through private and charitable sector initiatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Making it easier to leave a charitable gift is not only raising much needed money for good causes but also has a very positive emotional impact on customers".

The Guardian

According to Pew charitable trusts, a supporter of Fragile First Impressions, this is leading to uncertainty about the paintings' long-term protection, the environmental management of protected areas and the associated jobs and positive lifestyle outcomes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an organization, use "charitable" to emphasize its non-profit status and mission. For example, "The organization operates as a registered charitable foundation."

Common error

Avoid using "charitable" to imply someone is gullible or overly trusting. While it can mean interpreting actions in the best possible light, it doesn't equate to blind acceptance or lack of critical thinking. Using "naive" or "credulous" may be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The word "charitable" primarily functions as an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe something or someone related to or characterized by charity. Examples include "charitable organizations", "charitable donations", and "a charitable person".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "charitable" is a grammatically correct and very common adjective used to describe activities, organizations, or individuals associated with giving and benevolence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, followed by Formal & Business settings. When writing, remember to use "charitable" to emphasize the non-profit status or philanthropic intent, and avoid misusing it to imply naivete. Alternatives such as "benevolent" or "generous" can be used for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

benevolent

Indicates a general disposition to do good, emphasizing kindness and goodwill.

generous

Focuses on the willingness to give or share resources, often implying abundance.

philanthropic

Implies organized and often large-scale efforts to improve the welfare of others.

eleemosynary

Describes activities related to or supported by charity; more formal and less common.

altruistic

Highlights selfless concern for the well-being of others, often at one's own expense.

humanitarian

Focuses on relieving suffering and improving the conditions of humanity, often in crisis situations.

compassionate

Emphasizes empathy and a deep awareness of the suffering of others, driving a desire to help.

kindhearted

Describes a naturally kind and sympathetic nature, often expressed through acts of charity.

giving

A more direct term for providing resources or assistance to those in need.

magnanimous

Suggests nobility of spirit and a willingness to forgive or overlook offenses, often coupled with generosity.

FAQs

How can I use "charitable" in a sentence?

Use "charitable" to describe acts, organizations, or qualities related to giving and helping those in need. For example, "The company made a "charitable donation" to the local food bank" or "She has a "charitable disposition" and always helps others."

What are some alternatives to the word "charitable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "benevolent", "generous", "philanthropic", or "altruistic".

Is it correct to say "a charitable person"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to describe someone as a "charitable person" to indicate they are giving and helpful towards others.

What is the difference between "charitable" and "charity"?

"Charitable" is an adjective describing something related to or characterized by charity, while "charity" is a noun referring to the act of giving or an organization that provides aid.