consumables

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'consumables' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to goods that are intended to be consumed or used up, such as food, fuel, office supplies, cleaning materials, etc. For example: "We need to replenish our stock of consumables before the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This defined an HNWI as a person with investable financial assets – excluding "collectibles, consumables, consumer durables and primary residences" – in excess of $1m£600,00000).

The Guardian - Money

Target is revamping its stores, to entice its customers to buy more food and other consumables, like paper goods.

The Economist

The trouble with inequality isn't primarily about consumables.

The Economist

They lent money recklessly in the past, especially for people wanting to borrow in hard currency to buy consumables (washing machines, holidays, cars etc).

The Economist

Bloomberg wrote about the film's many expensive consumables, from the Omega watches, one of which costs $26,500, to the art, by way of the grey bespoke silk ties.

The Economist

Now Amazon makes it even simpler to buy the sort of thing that draws shoppers to Walmart's big boxes: in particular, electronics and consumables like nappies and detergent.

The Economist

When Walmart, with a poorer clientele, sells almost three times as much to its average American customer every year as Amazon does to its, there is plenty of room for Amazon to grow further.One way to narrow the gap is to sell more "consumables", such as toiletries and food.

The Economist

The oil painting went on sale in August, when Amazon splashily announced that it would add fine art to "earth's biggest selection" of consumables.

The Economist

Consumables such as high-margin toner cartridges provide a steady flow of cash on the back of this printer business.

The Economist

To the extent that real earnings are measured simply by the quantity of consumables that money earnings will buy, their rise has depended on three factors: productivity, or the output per worker in terms of his own product; the share of this product that accrues to the worker; and the rate of exchange between the worker's own product and the goods and services he buys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Living, as we do, in a consumer society of many decades standing "there is huge institutional pressure internationally to encourage consumption," says Angus, pointing out that single-use consumables with a short life-span are what help to create constant growth in a capitalist economy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing business finances, specify the type of "consumables" to provide a clear understanding of expenses (e.g., office supplies, raw materials).

Common error

Avoid using "consumables" as a catch-all term without context. Be specific about what you are referring to (e.g., "laboratory consumables" instead of just "consumables" in a scientific context).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "consumables" is as a plural noun, referring to items that are used up or depleted through use. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consumables" functions as a plural noun denoting items designed for use and subsequent depletion. Ludwig's analysis affirms the term's grammatical correctness and its prevalent use across diverse sectors, including News & Media, Business, and Science. The frequency analysis reveals it as a very common expression, suitable for both formal and informal communication, with related phrases like "expendable supplies" and "disposable goods" offering similar meanings. To ensure clarity, specify the type of "consumables" being discussed. Avoid overly broad usages for better understanding. Therefore, knowing how to utilize "consumables" is valuable in business, science, and daily language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

products for consumption

A more formal way of saying consumables, emphasizing their intended purpose.

expendable supplies

Focuses on the idea that these items are used up and need replacing.

disposable goods

Highlights that the items are designed to be thrown away after use.

goods for immediate use

Highlights that these items are intended for prompt utilization.

replenishable items

Emphasizes the need to restock these goods regularly.

use-and-replace products

More descriptive, specifying the action associated with these goods.

everyday necessities

Shifts the focus to the essential nature of these items.

stock items

General term highlighting that these are kept in inventory.

provisions

Implies a supply of something needed, especially food.

materials used

A broader term referring to items that are used up in a process.

FAQs

How to use "consumables" in a sentence?

You can use "consumables" to refer to items that are used up or consumed, such as "The company needs to order more office "supplies" and other consumables."

What are examples of "consumables"?

"Consumables" can include items like food, fuel, cleaning products, printer ink, and laboratory "reagents".

Is "consumables" a formal or informal word?

"Consumables" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the audience and purpose.

What's the difference between "consumables" and "durable goods"?

"Consumables" are items used up quickly, while "durable goods" are intended to last for a longer period.