cherished possession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cherished possession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an item that holds significant emotional value or importance to someone. Example: "The locket she wore around her neck was her most cherished possession, a gift from her grandmother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

These days, his most cherished possession is his lease, which stays tucked deep within the breast pocket of his tattered pin-striped suit.

The New York Times

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa was the final breakthrough of tiki-taka, a style of play perfected by Pep Guardiola at FC Barcelona, which cherished possession and quick passing to open up an opponent's defense.

Forbes

Sarabareilless video by Taylor Swift My new most cherished possession.

Independent

Another cherished possession, Ms. Cohn said, was the framed ephemera on the bookshelf: a ditty penned by her father, the singer-songwriter Marc Cohn.

The New York Times

Lilya's most cherished possession is a framed Victorian oleograph of a tall, female angel gently leading a little boy by the hand.

The Guardian - Film

The harmony brought to our home by the Steinway has yielded to dissonance: how do four children divide a parent's single most cherished possession?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

A few seem to have been worn, and were, perhaps, cherished possessions.

The New Yorker

In their laps, the couple hold cherished possessions from the days before the disaster: framed photographs of his late wife and her late husband.

The Guardian

Today the apartment is a blend of Ms. Weisberg's textiles and wallcoverings and a few of her parents' cherished possessions, including a Peter Cooper rocking chair and a French bronze clock that hangs beside the fireplace, and her father's unhappiness has long faded.

The New York Times

Footballing stereotypes, positive and negative, are cherished possessions that nobody wants to part with, even if they're long out of date like 1980s Mad magazines, five-a-side trophies and Third Reich stamps from granddad Heinrich (don't ask) quietly gathering dust in the loft.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a picture of he and Ella meeting at a London Bistro some years ago that are among each or cherished possessions.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or qualities that someone values highly, consider using "cherished possession" to add emotional depth and relatability. For example, 'Their most cherished possession was their reputation for honesty.'

Common error

While "cherished possession" is appropriate for many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral terms like 'valuable asset' or 'important resource' in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cherished possession" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it identifies something highly valued by an individual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cherished possession" is a grammatically sound and emotionally evocative noun phrase used to describe something of significant personal value. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides diverse examples. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting its role in conveying personal stories and sentimental value. While synonyms like "treasured belonging" and "prized possession" exist, "cherished possession" carries a particular weight of affection and personal connection. Remember to consider your context when using this phrase, as it may be too sentimental for strictly formal or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treasured belonging

Emphasizes the idea of something kept and highly valued.

prized possession

Highlights the high value and importance of the item.

valued keepsake

Suggests something kept to remember a person, place, or event.

dearest belonging

Indicates the item is held with deep affection.

most loved item

Focuses on the emotional connection and affection for the object.

precious item

Highlights the inherent worth and value of the possession.

favored object

Implies a preference and fondness for the particular object.

invaluable item

Stresses the impossibility of assigning a monetary value due to sentimental worth.

special treasure

Emphasizes the uniqueness and significance of the possession.

personal memento

Highlights the item's role as a reminder of a past experience or relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "cherished possession" in a sentence?

You can use "cherished possession" to describe an item of great personal value or emotional significance. For example: "The old photograph was her most cherished possession."

What are some synonyms for "cherished possession"?

Alternatives include "treasured belonging", "prized possession", and "valued keepsake".

Is it appropriate to use "cherished possession" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "cherished possession" might be too sentimental for highly formal or technical contexts. Consider alternatives like "valuable asset" or "important resource" in such cases.

What's the difference between "cherished possession" and "valuable item"?

"Cherished possession" emphasizes the emotional and personal value of an item, while "valuable item" focuses on its material or monetary worth. A family heirloom might be a "cherished possession", while a rare painting could be considered a valuable item.