much sought after

USAGE SUMMARY

"much sought after" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is desired by many people or is popular. For example, "This rare book is much sought after by collectors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Occasionally there's more than one – the much sought after "double honey shot".

The Guardian - Opinion

Much sought after New York freelance musician.

The New York Times

Homemade jam is much sought after.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their votes will be much sought after this November.

The Economist

One make that is much sought after is Ferrari.

The New York Times

"This site is very valuable and was much sought after.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The much-sought-after Nintendo console is, well, much sought after… with its first batch selling out on Amazon last week in a matter of seconds.

TechCrunch

Its delicate wool is much sought-after.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At issue is the much sought-after Israel Prize.

The New Yorker

The much sought-after new audience seems to have arrived.

Independent

The UK is a much sought-after ally.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "much sought after" to emphasize the high level of demand or desirability, especially when something is actively being pursued or is difficult to obtain. This phrase adds weight compared to simply saying something is "popular".

Common error

While grammatically sound, "much sought after" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "popular" or "in demand" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much sought after" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is highly desired or in demand. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much sought after" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates something is highly desired or in demand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal to neutral contexts, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. While it can be used broadly, it's crucial to avoid overuse in informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase is effective for emphasizing the value or importance of the noun it modifies. Remember to select alternatives like "highly desirable" or "in high demand" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly desirable

Focuses on the desirability aspect, omitting the intensity implied by "much".

in high demand

Emphasizes the demand aspect, suitable when discussing market forces or popularity.

widely coveted

Highlights the aspect of being envied or desired by many.

eagerly pursued

Emphasizes the active effort to obtain something.

popular

A simpler term indicating general liking and demand.

in vogue

Suggests current fashion or trendiness.

well-regarded

Implies a positive reputation and is often used in professional contexts.

valuable

Highlights the worth or importance of something.

premier

Indicates top quality and status.

choice

Suggests being the preferred or selected option.

FAQs

How can I use "much sought after" in a sentence?

Use "much sought after" to describe something that many people desire or are trying to obtain. For example, "The rare painting is "much sought after" by collectors".

What are some alternatives to "much sought after"?

You can use alternatives such as "highly desirable", "in high demand", or "widely coveted" depending on the context.

Is "much sought after" formal or informal?

The phrase ""much sought after"" leans towards the formal side, but it's acceptable in neutral contexts as well. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

What is the difference between "much sought after" and "popular"?

"Much sought after" suggests a higher degree of active pursuit or desire than simply being "popular". Something that is "much sought after" is actively being looked for, while something "popular" is simply well-liked.