clothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to items of clothing such as dresses, pants, and shirts. For example: "I need to buy some new clothing for the upcoming season."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also in the "Eastern Territory"—an early name for Shandong was Qi, extending over the major part of the peninsula; it became an important economic centre, exporting hemp clothing, silk, fish, salt, and a unique variety of purple cloth to all parts of China.

Britannica

But by the time the first TV crews arrived in protective clothing, it was already clear that something was wrong.

The Guardian

Eskimo clothing was fashioned of caribou furs, which provided protection against the extreme cold.

Britannica

The development of agriculture reduced the supply of available skins and required a substitute material for clothing.

Britannica

Ivanovo remains one of the major textile cities of Russia, producing cotton, worsted, and silk goods and clothing.

Britannica

A handicraft industry grew up; leather was processed; and rugs, felt, and clothing were manufactured.

Britannica

The factories eventually armed Peter's army and navy and aided in clothing his soldiers, thus fulfilling the purpose for which they had been created.

Britannica

Rastafarians, who account for a tiny part of the population, typically wear loose-fitting clothing and long dreadlocks, a hairstyle associated with the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I in the early 20th century.

Britannica

The city's industries produce textiles, clothing, glass, china, automobile batteries and tires, watches, and cosmetics.

Britannica

The former, however, had an economy of greater diversity: manufacturing was varied (including printing and the production of engineering and electrical products, chemicals, and clothing), and a broad range of service activities gave stability to the economy.

Britannica

His clients included steamship lines, railways, and clothing, food, and beverage companies.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about fashion or the textile industry, consider using more specific terms like "apparel" or "garments" to add precision to your descriptions.

Common error

While "clothing" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "apparel" or "attire" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clothing" is as a noun, referring to items worn to cover the body. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in this context, affirming its standard usage in English. The word "clothing" functions as a noun to denote collective items of wear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

42%

News & Media

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

32%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clothing" is a grammatically sound and very common noun used to refer to what people wear. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is correct and applicable across a wide spectrum of contexts. While generally neutral, consider the formality of your writing; in highly professional settings, synonyms such as "apparel" or "garments" might be more appropriate. With "clothing" being more general it appears with higher frequency in encyclopedias and news sources, but still remains correct no matter the context. Remember to avoid using "a clothing" or "an clothing", as it's generally an uncountable noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparel

Uses a more formal and sometimes broader term for what one wears.

garments

Refers to individual items of dress, often in a manufacturing or sales context.

attire

Suggests a specific style or type of dress, often for a particular occasion.

wear

A more general term, encompassing items of dress for specific purposes.

outfits

Refers to a complete set of garments worn together.

dress

A broader term referring to the act of wearing clothes or a specific item.

wardrobe

Refers to the entire collection of clothes someone owns.

softgoods

Term is mainly used in trade to define general term for textile based products.

threads

An informal and slang term for clothing, often implying style.

costume

Refers to clothing worn for a performance or to represent someone.

FAQs

What is the difference between "clothing" and "apparel"?

"Clothing" is a general term for what people wear. "Apparel" is often considered a more formal or sophisticated term, frequently used in the fashion industry or in contexts where a refined tone is desired.

Can I use "clothing" in academic writing?

Yes, "clothing" is generally acceptable in academic writing. However, consider the context. If you're discussing fashion or textiles in detail, more specific terms like "garments" or "attire" may be more appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "clothing"?

Synonyms for "clothing" include "apparel", "garments", "attire", "wear", and "outfits". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a clothing" or "an clothing"?

No, "clothing" is generally used as an uncountable noun. Therefore, you would not use the articles "a" or "an" before it. Instead, use phrases like "an item of clothing" or "some clothing".