for material gain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for material gain" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to the pursuit of money, possessions, or power. For example, "He was willing to sacrifice his integrity for material gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Not for material gain".

The New York Times

If an athlete competed for material gain, the spirit of sport sportsmanship would be tainted.

The New Yorker

"According to Reuther," Russell declares, "unions should not be considered as vehicles for material gain.

The New York Times - Books

Or, they say, the outcry is prompted by a desire for material gain.

The New York Times

"But many people try to use these incidents for material gain".

The New York Times

The speaker of this dramatic monologue declaims against marriages made for material gain and worldly prestige.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I didn't do this so my name would enter history or for material gains.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather than improving the decor inside an already stuffed wallet, feminism should focus on fighting for material gains in the lives of the women who have comparatively little.

The Guardian - Opinion

His novels, such as Povratak Filipa Latinovicza (1932; The Return of Philip Latinovicz) and Na rubu pameti (1938; On the Edge of Reason), have as central characters intellectuals who have lost their power to act in a world characterized by the willingness to enslave one's mind for material gains or for a sense of belonging.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In other words, he is considering his long-term prospects by keeping in mind the rise of a powerful new constituency that will only gather more influence as the years pass: the young, urban, educated and impatient set of voters who aspire for material gains to their lives.

The Economist

The workers' urge to have adequate social interrelations with other people even dominates their desire for material gains.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for material gain", ensure the context clearly indicates that the motivation behind an action is primarily to acquire money, possessions, or economic benefits, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for material gain" in contexts where other non-monetary motivations are equally or more significant. This phrase highlights a specific type of motivation and can make an action seem overly mercenary if misapplied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for material gain" typically functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, explaining the reason or motivation behind an action. As Ludwig suggests, it clarifies that the aim is to acquire wealth or possessions. Examples show its usage in various contexts, from betrayal to career decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for material gain" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions motivated by the desire for wealth, possessions, or financial advantages. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, explaining the reason behind a particular action. While its usage can sometimes carry negative connotations, it serves as a neutral descriptor across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. Understanding the nuances of this phrase enables writers to use it effectively and avoid potential misinterpretations, especially in situations where other motivations may also be at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for financial benefit

Focuses specifically on financial rewards.

for monetary compensation

Emphasizes payment or recompense.

for pecuniary advantage

Uses more formal language to denote financial advantage.

to get rich

Directly states the intention to accumulate wealth.

for personal enrichment

Highlights the enhancement of one's own wealth or resources.

with the aim of acquiring wealth

Specifies the goal of accumulating possessions and money.

motivated by profit

Points to profit as the primary driver of action.

for the sake of riches

Emphasizes the importance of wealth as a motivating factor.

in pursuit of fortune

Highlights the endeavor to gain wealth and prosperity.

to accumulate possessions

Focuses on gathering material items.

FAQs

How can I use "for material gain" in a sentence?

Use "for material gain" to indicate that the primary motivation behind an action or decision is to acquire wealth, possessions, or economic advantages. For example: "He betrayed his colleagues "for material gain"."

What are some alternatives to "for material gain"?

Alternatives include "for financial benefit", "for monetary compensation", or "to get rich", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to act "for material gain"?

Not necessarily. While acting "for material gain" can sometimes imply greed or selfishness, it can also simply reflect a pragmatic desire to improve one's financial situation or accumulate resources. The connotation depends heavily on context.

What's the difference between "for material gain" and "for personal enrichment"?

"For material gain" generally refers to acquiring money and possessions, while "for personal enrichment" can include non-material aspects like knowledge, skills, or experiences that improve one's life.