fertility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fertility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to reproduction, agriculture, or the ability to produce offspring or crops. Example: "The study focused on the fertility rates in various regions and how they are affected by environmental factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Method: Attempts to tackle the resulting problem of soil fertility have largely flopped so far.

The Guardian

Yes, it is principally about the soil, its fertility and the lack of chemicals and pesticides used, but it's also about "the unseen forces and energies of life and growth that permeate all living things".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Previously, the fall in fertility rates that began in the 1980s in many African countries was expected to continue but the most recent data shows this has not happened.

The Guardian

Also there are other treatments with regards to fertility, so hopefully it won't be a massive problem".

The Guardian

And the sunny terrain surrounding the foggy city bursts with fertility – and it's not just grapes.

The Guardian - Travel

Countries such as the US, where freedom of speech was embedded in the constitution's first amendment, had nonetheless implemented exclusion zones around abortion and fertility clinics in some states, Hanks told the court.

The Guardian

In Richard II, Shakespeare referred to it as "this scepter'd isle, this other Eden, demi-paradise, this fortress build by Nature itself", but perhaps what has given the UK its true fertility, particularly in song, is best summed up by that cantankerous cultural figure John Lydon: "Britain is an island; it's always had a constant ebb and flow of immigration – it makes it a better place".

The Guardian - Music

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), linked in laboratory animals to an increase in tumours of the liver, pancreas and testicles and reduced fertility, is one of the chemicals used in the chain of reactions that makes the common non-stick surface Teflon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The health secretary, Alan Milburn, and the minister responsible for fertility issues, Hazel Blears, were present at the meeting.

The Guardian

It was challenging at times: getting my potentially cancerous tonsils removed and drinking nothing but cold soup for a week; and getting my testicles cut open to look for spermatozoon to freeze in case I want children in the future, as chemotherapy can affect fertility.

The Guardian

The cysts on the ovaries can affect fertility – but don't panic just yet".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing population trends, use "fertility rate" to be specific about the average number of children per woman. For soil, consider "soil fertility" for clarity.

Common error

While both terms relate to reproductive capacity, "fertility" often refers to the actual number of offspring produced, while "fecundity" describes the potential for reproduction. Use "fertility" when discussing birth rates or the ability to conceive, and "fecundity" when referring to the inherent capacity for reproduction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fertility" is as a noun. It refers to the condition of being fertile or the rate of reproduction within a population or environment. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples across diverse contexts, showing its common use as a subject or object in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fertility" is a noun with a neutral to formal register, commonly used to describe the ability to reproduce or the rate of reproduction, as reinforced by Ludwig. It appears frequently in various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and scientific publications. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to distinguish it from "fecundity", which refers to reproductive potential rather than actual output. When writing about population trends, specify "fertility rate" for clarity. According to Ludwig, this word is quite common in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fecundity

Focuses on the potential for reproduction or productivity, often in a broader biological sense.

Reproductive capacity

Highlights the ability to reproduce, emphasizing the biological function.

Birth rate

Specifically refers to the number of births in a population.

Procreative ability

Emphasizes the power or capability to produce offspring.

Childbearing potential

Refers to a woman's capacity to have children.

Progeny

Refers to offspring or descendants.

Richness of soil

Applies to agriculture, emphasizing the quality of the soil for growing crops.

Productivity

Refers to the ability to produce goods or crops in abundance.

Bearing children

Focuses on the act of giving birth.

Soil health

Addresses the capacity of soil to sustain plant and animal productivity.

FAQs

How does economic status affect fertility rates?

Economic factors like employment and financial stability can significantly influence "fertility rate". Economic hardship often leads to a decline in fertility as families delay or reduce childbearing plans.

What is the difference between "fertility" and "infertility"?

"Fertility" refers to the ability to conceive and produce offspring, while "infertility" is the inability to conceive after a certain period of trying. If you're having trouble conceiving, it's important to consult with a "fertility specialist".

What factors can impact fertility in women?

Many factors can affect female fertility, including age, lifestyle choices (such as smoking and diet), hormonal imbalances, and underlying medical conditions like "polycystic ovary syndrome".

How is fertility measured in a population?

In populations, "fertility" is commonly measured by the total "fertility rate" (TFR), which indicates the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. This helps demographers and policymakers understand population growth trends.