durable goods

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "durable goods" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in economic contexts to refer to items that have a long lifespan and are not consumed quickly, such as appliances or vehicles. Example: "The sales of durable goods have increased significantly this quarter, indicating a strong consumer confidence in the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Orders for durable goods rebound.

The New York Times

Durable goods orders are flat.

The New York Times

advanced Durable Goods Orders -- Sept.

The New York Times

Orders for durable goods (pdf) decline.

The New York Times

Orders for durable goods (PDF) fall.

The New York Times

Orders for durable goods fell by 8.2%.

The Economist

Sales of durable goods rose 0.5percentt.

The New York Times

Gainers included some makers of durable goods.

The New York Times

Jobs, durable goods, new home sales.

The Guardian - Business

WEDNESDAY: Durable goods orders for April.

The New York Times

Durable goods could provide the first sign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, clarify what specific items are included when discussing "durable goods" to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify if you're referring to appliances, vehicles, or machinery.

Common error

Avoid using "durable goods" as a general term for all products. It specifically refers to items expected to last at least three years. Using it for items like clothing or food is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "durable goods" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically referring to tangible items that are expected to last for a significant period (at least three years). Ludwig provides numerous examples where it appears in economic reports and news articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "durable goods" is a noun phrase that commonly refers to products expected to last at least three years and is frequently used in economic contexts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse sources, predominantly in news media and business publications. The most frequent application of the expression is linked to economic indicator, signal changes in manufacturing activity and consumer confidence. When using the expression, it's important to remember that "durable goods" are the designed to last at least three years, while non-"durable goods", like food and clothing, are consumed or used up quickly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-lasting goods

Focuses on the duration of use or lifespan of the items.

hard goods

Emphasizes the physical nature and resilience of the products.

consumer durables

Highlights their role as items purchased by consumers, intended to last.

manufactured durables

Focuses on the aspect that these are the manufactured goods that last for a long time.

lasting commodities

Stresses the enduring aspect of goods that are traded.

durable commodities

Highlights the raw materials that undergo processing that last.

long-term assets

Relates more to the financial perspective, indicating items with a lifespan of more than a year.

capital goods

Emphasizes the use of these goods for production of other goods or services.

durable products

Is more general; refers to products designed for longevity.

robust merchandise

Merchandise specifies goods that are bought and sold, robust implies the items strength and quality.

FAQs

How are "durable goods" used in economic analysis?

"Durable goods" are frequently used as an economic indicator. Orders for "durable goods" can signal changes in manufacturing activity and consumer confidence.

What are some examples of "durable goods"?

Examples of "durable goods" include cars, furniture, appliances, and electronics. These items are expected to last for at least three years under normal usage.

What's the difference between "durable goods" and non-"durable goods"?

"Durable goods" are designed to last at least three years, while non-"durable goods", like food and clothing, are consumed or used up quickly.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "durable goods"?

Depending on the context, you could use "long-lasting goods", "hard goods", or "consumer durables" as alternatives.