literary works

USAGE SUMMARY

"literary works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to books, poems, plays, short stories, and other written works of literature. For example, "This collection of essays features some of the most influential literary works of the 20th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most literary works were in Latin.

The New Yorker

I consider my 'plays' primarily literary works".

The New York Times

The memoirs are not inconsiderable literary works.

The Guardian - Music

In re Literary Works in Elec.

Stanford University

Craveirinha's literary works are chiefly of a political nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Almost all Čapek's literary works are inquiries into philosophical ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this decade his main literary works appeared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Literary criticism, the reasoned consideration of literary works and issues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In literary works, satire can be direct or indirect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many literary works were based on Romanian ballads and folklore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(1971 72), and translated literary works from English and Polish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing literature, be specific about the type of "literary works" you're referring to (e.g., novels, poems, plays) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "literary works" as a vague catch-all. Instead, specify the genre or type of writing being discussed (e.g., "Victorian novels" rather than simply "literary works").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literary works" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a collection of writings considered to have artistic or intellectual merit. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to discuss bodies of texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

27%

News & Media

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literary works" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that encompasses a collection of writings with artistic or intellectual value. Ludwig confirms its usage across various contexts, from encyclopedias and news media to academic discussions. When using this phrase, specificity is key to avoiding vagueness. While generally neutral to formal, it’s important to consider the context and choose more precise terms when necessary. The phrase is mostly used for describing, categorizing, and analyzing texts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

works of literature

Reverses the order of words; very close in meaning, but may have a slightly more formal tone.

literary texts

Focuses on the text itself, suggesting an academic or analytical perspective.

literary creations

Emphasizes the act of creating literature, rather than the finished product; focuses on creativity.

literary productions

Highlights the output or the act of producing literary content; places value on creation.

literary pieces

More informal and general than "literary works"; implies individual items.

literary compositions

Similar to “written compositions” but specifically in the realm of literature.

artistic writings

Highlights the artistic aspect of writing, implies aesthetic value.

written compositions

Broader term, encompassing any form of writing, not necessarily literary.

published writings

Focuses on the fact that the works have been published; emphasizes wider distribution.

classic literature

Refers to literature that is widely known, studied, and considered to be of high artistic merit.

FAQs

How can I use "literary works" in a sentence?

You can use "literary works" to refer to books, poems, plays, or other writings that are considered to have artistic or intellectual value. For example, "The curriculum includes a study of classic "works of literature".".

What are some alternatives to saying "literary works"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "literary texts", "works of literature", or "written compositions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "literary works" in academic writing?

Yes, "literary works" is a perfectly acceptable term to use in academic writing when discussing literature, especially when referring to a collection or variety of such works.

What is the difference between "literary work" and "literary works"?

"Literary work" refers to a single piece of literature, while "literary works" refers to multiple pieces. For example, you might analyze a single "literary work", such as Hamlet, or discuss the impact of Shakespeare's "literary works" as a whole.