material affluence

USAGE SUMMARY

'material affluence' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the abundance of material goods one might possess. For example: "John's material affluence meant that he could afford luxury gadgets and cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The mass media has exposed them to a new dream of material affluence".

The Guardian

But we also suffer from the pollution created by our increasing material affluence.

The New York Times

This is most damaging of all - the ideology that material affluence is the key to fulfilment and open to anyone willing to work hard enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no technological change we can make that will permit growth in either human numbers or material affluence to continue to expand.

Yale University

On the other hand, it is argued that great material affluence and well-developed social security have caused a strong preference to self-actualization and individuation, as a result of which marriage has lost popularity in Europe.

Princeton University

This very funny, though ultimately catastrophic plot device gives Mr Franzen the opportunity to focus on the price that is exacted for American (for that, read Western) material affluence in terms of our planet, our emotional well-being and our children's future.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Ownership of fridge/freezer, television, car, having electricity at home, and living in a block house showed consistent trend across the material scale affluence quintiles.

Child Indicators Research

Our aim was to evaluate the predictive values of material capital (family affluence) and cultural capital as determinants of eating habits among adolescents in Norway.

BMC Public Health

Many had grown up in suburban affluence, where material prosperity and upward mobility were assumed.

Los Angeles Times

The thought of living a life inside a comfort zone, content with the mundane musings of everyday life and fattened by the console and affluence of material life.

Huffington Post

This became a telling metaphor for China's current circumstance as you have a better chance of finding a great Qigong or Taiji master in the West due to twin factors: a higher material reward offered by the affluence in countries like the United States and Europe; the continued cultural upheaval and persecution of Qigong masters in China.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "material affluence", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a high level of material possessions and wealth, rather than just general happiness or well-being.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "material affluence" automatically equates to happiness or fulfillment. Highlight both aspects if relevant, but keep it clear that they are separate concepts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "material affluence" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "material affluence" effectively conveys the concept of abundant possessions and wealth. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently used in news media, scientific research, and academic discourse. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to remember that "material affluence" doesn't automatically equate to happiness or well-being. Related phrases like "material wealth" and "financial prosperity" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

material wealth

Focuses more specifically on the accumulation of valuable possessions and resources.

financial prosperity

Highlights the monetary aspect of success and well-being.

economic abundance

Emphasizes the broad availability of resources within a system.

affluent lifestyle

Describes the way of living associated with having significant wealth.

opulent circumstances

Suggests a lavish and luxurious environment.

comfortable existence

Highlights the ease and security afforded by financial stability.

prosperous conditions

Focuses on the favorable state of affairs that lead to wealth.

high standard of living

Describes the level of comfort and goods available to an individual or group.

substantial resources

Emphasizes the significant availability of assets and means.

plentiful possessions

Highlights the abundance of goods and items owned.

FAQs

How can I use "material affluence" in a sentence?

You can use "material affluence" to describe a state of abundant possessions and wealth, for example, "The study examined the impact of "material affluence" on children's development".

What are some alternatives to "material affluence"?

Alternatives include "material wealth", "financial prosperity", or "economic abundance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "material affluence"?

Yes, "material affluence" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe a state of having significant material possessions and wealth.

What is the difference between "material affluence" and "material prosperity"?

"Material affluence" generally refers to the state of having a lot of material goods, while "material prosperity" suggests a thriving or flourishing condition in terms of material wealth and possessions. The terms are largely interchangeable though.