much sought-after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much sought-after" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is highly desired or in demand. Example: "The artist's latest painting is a much sought-after piece among collectors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

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

In the much sought-after industrial-design department, 78% of places were filled by quota.

The Economist

Distressed debt experts, risk managers, computer programmers and private bankers are also much sought-after.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 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

That is the much-sought-after virtuous cycle.

The New York Times

She was also a much-sought-after public speaker.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It is much-sought-after as a location.

The New York Times - Arts

He won the much-sought-after endorsement of the actor Chuck Norris, Texas ranger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "much sought-after", ensure the context clearly establishes who is seeking the item or quality. For example, specify the industry, group, or individuals who desire it. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "much sought-after" in overly generic or self-evident situations. Instead, reserve it for cases where the desirability is significant or surprising. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much sought-after" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective. It describes a noun, indicating that the noun is highly desired or in demand. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "much sought-after" is a pre-modifying adjective phrase used to describe something highly desired. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially News & Media. While alternatives like "highly desirable" or "in great demand" exist, "much sought-after" effectively emphasizes the level of demand or desirability. It's important to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid overuse in generic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in great demand

Focuses on the high level of demand, replacing "sought-after" with a more direct expression.

widely desired

Similar to "highly desirable" but emphasizes the breadth of the desire across a population.

highly desirable

Emphasizes the desirability aspect more directly, using a simpler adjective.

highly coveted

Highlights the envious nature of the desire for something, adding a layer of exclusivity.

eagerly pursued

Focuses on the active effort to obtain something, emphasizing the pursuit.

popular

A simpler term indicating widespread appeal or liking.

in vogue

Indicates that something is fashionable or trendy and therefore desired.

fashionable

Implies a current trend that makes something desirable.

precious

Stresses the high value and rarity of something, making it desirable.

valuable

Highlights the worth or importance of something, leading to it being desired.

FAQs

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

You can use "much sought-after" to describe something that is highly desired or in demand. For example: "The company's innovative products are "much sought-after" by consumers".

What are some alternatives to "much sought-after"?

Alternatives include "highly desirable", "in great demand", or "highly coveted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very much sought-after"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very much sought-after" can be redundant. The phrase "much sought-after" already implies a high degree of desirability, so adding "very" may not add significant emphasis.

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

Adding "much" before "sought-after" intensifies the degree of desirability or demand. While "sought-after" indicates that something is desired, "much sought-after" implies that it is very highly desired.