material goods

USAGE SUMMARY

"material goods" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to physical items or possessions that have a tangible or material form. You can use "material goods" in a sentence when referring to possessions or consumer products, such as: - Our society often values material goods over experiences and relationships. - He spent all of his money on expensive material goods. - The store sells a wide variety of material goods, from clothing to home decor. - The government implemented policies to regulate the production and sale of material goods. - Many people believe that owning more material goods will bring them happiness, but studies show this is not always the case.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He has never had material goods.

The New York Times

"He wasn't about material goods.

The New York Times

Blacks value material goods as well.

The New York Times

Material goods are not necessarily plentiful.

The New York Times - Arts

Material goods are only as valuable as you make them.

The Guardian

Thrift was comforting; material goods uninteresting, bordering on gauche.

The New Yorker

They think everybody is showered with material goods".

The New York Times

Where are the cheap and plentiful material goods?

University of California, Berkeley

"They have to trade off social goods for material goods," Stutzer said.

The New Yorker

CONS: An excess of material goods could not be happily accommodated in this aesthetically pure space.

The New York Times

In a way, I have a feeling all material goods are somewhat transient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal values, use "material goods" to contrast with intangible values like experiences, relationships, or personal growth. This can add depth and nuance to your argument.

Common error

Avoid implying that happiness solely depends on acquiring "material goods". Recognize that well-being is multifaceted and encompasses aspects beyond possessions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material goods" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object or complement in a sentence, referring to tangible items or possessions. Ludwig AI examples show it being used to contrast tangible items with intangible concepts like experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "material goods" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe tangible possessions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's prevalent in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While it maintains a neutral register, its use often carries implications about consumerism, societal values, or economic disparities. When writing, remember that while "material goods" are part of our lives, overemphasizing them can lead to a materialistic tone. Instead, use the phrase to create contrast with more meaningful aspects of life, such as experiences or personal connections. Alternative phrases like "tangible assets" or "consumer goods" can offer more specific connotations depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangible assets

Focuses on the economic value and physical nature of the possessions.

physical possessions

Emphasizes the physical aspect of ownership.

consumer goods

Highlights the role of these goods in consumption and the economy.

worldly possessions

Implies a connection to earthly life and material wealth.

personal belongings

Refers to items owned for personal use.

consumer products

Focuses on items produced for consumers.

valuable items

Highlights the worth or importance of the possessions.

luxury goods

Refers specifically to high-end or extravagant possessions.

private property

Emphasizes the legal ownership aspect of the goods.

personal effects

A more formal term for personal belongings.

FAQs

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

You can use "material goods" to refer to tangible items or possessions. For example, "Our society often values "material goods" over experiences." or "He spent all his money on expensive "material goods"".

What are some alternatives to "material goods"?

Alternatives include "tangible assets", "physical possessions", or "consumer goods" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "material good" instead of "material goods"?

While grammatically possible when referring to a single item, it is less common. "Material good" is best used when discussing a single type of item in a theoretical or abstract sense. "Material goods" is more common when referring to possessions in general.

What is the difference between "material goods" and "personal belongings"?

"Material goods" generally refers to items that have economic value or are acquired through purchase. "Personal belongings" is a broader term that includes any items owned by an individual, regardless of their monetary value or how they were obtained.