material possessions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material possessions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an individual's belongings that are physical or tangible, such as cars, houses, furniture, etc. For example, "He was more concerned with acquiring material possessions than with his spiritual development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Give up all material possessions?

The New York Times - Books

He cared not for material possessions.

The New York Times

He even "came to love things, material possessions".

The New Yorker

We like our material possessions to be material.

The New Yorker

"Often it's with material possessions, a house, or a car".

The New Yorker

Accumulating material possessions, Creed insists, has no interest for him.

Independent

"An artist doesn't care for material possessions as such.

The New Yorker

But replacing their material possessions will be a struggle.

The New York Times

"Material possessions have failed to bring me any real satisfaction".

The Guardian

Many undertake quests for wealth and material possessions.

The New York Times - Tech

But his disregard for material possessions and quest for meaning were his preferred topics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing values, be specific about which "material possessions" are relevant to the context. For instance, instead of generalizing, mention "housing", "vehicles", or "luxury goods".

Common error

Avoid equating the pursuit of "material possessions" with basic needs. Clearly differentiate between essential items for living and excessive accumulation of luxury goods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material possessions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to tangible items that are owned by someone, and its use is supported by Ludwig AI's validation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "material possessions" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to tangible items that one owns. As validated by Ludwig AI, it functions to describe or refer to physical items of value, is suitable for formal, business, and news contexts, and appears most frequently in News & Media. It's useful to be specific when discussing values related to "material possessions" and to differentiate between necessary items and excessive materialism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

material wealth

Simply reorders the words while preserving the core meaning.

tangible assets

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

personal belongings

Emphasizes the personal connection and ownership of the items.

tangible property

Emphasizes the legal and ownership aspects of the items.

worldly goods

Implies a connection to earthly life and material wealth.

consumer goods

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

physical wealth

Stresses the tangible nature of wealth, contrasting with intangible forms.

valuable items

Highlights the monetary or sentimental value attached to the objects.

acquired wealth

Focuses on the process of obtaining these items.

possessions

A shorter, more general term encompassing all things owned.

FAQs

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

You can use "material possessions" to refer to tangible items someone owns, such as "His happiness wasn't defined by his "material possessions" but by his experiences."

What's the difference between "material possessions" and "personal belongings"?

"Material possessions" generally refers to items of significant value or wealth, while "personal belongings" is a broader term that includes everyday items. Therefore, a toothbrush is likely to be referred to as a "personal belongings" and not a material possession.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "material possessions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tangible assets", "worldly goods", or "physical wealth".

Is it grammatically correct to use "material possessions" in formal writing?

Yes, "material possessions" is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal writing, as it is a standard and widely understood phrase.