natural

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "natural" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is inherent, instinctive, or not artificial. Example: "Her talent for music seemed so natural that it was as if she had been born with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That wish to pass something on is about the most basic, human and natural instinct there is.

The Guardian

The country's primary exports are natural gas and cotton.

The Guardian

By 2013, Turkmenistan was China's largest foreign supplier of natural gas.

The Guardian

Mr Mallon, 65, moved to quell speculation that he would be the natural successor to the Nobel prize-winning Mr Hume within 24 hours of the leader's resignation.

The Guardian

It also possesses the fourth-largest proven reserves of natural gas in the world.

The Guardian

Grenada, it seems, is no stranger to storms - political, natural, or in our case, domestic.

The Guardian - Travel

Far from bolstering stability, Saudi policy actively works against western attempts to end the standoff with non-Arab Iran – still the natural regional partner for London and Washington that it was before the 1979 revolution.

The Guardian

We should now consider why African countries must invest in science and technology, how science creates wealth, and what Africa must do to achieve this "new liberation" – using its untapped natural wealth, human resources, and effective policy execution to create explosive wealth that by-passes western-led globalisation and creates national and continental technology hubs.

The Guardian

Thinking about it, it might be more accurate to say that dogs are natural Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There has been nothing proven against the APY board, there has been no natural justice, no procedural fairness, no compartmentalisation of any allegations," said Sansbury on behalf of the group and approved by APY.

The Guardian

Or, to be specific, blow kisses at my daughter, who grew fabulously adept at blowing them back and basking in her newfound glory as the only natural blonde on the island.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "natural", consider the specific context to ensure you're conveying the intended meaning, whether it's related to inherent qualities, lack of artificiality, or conformity to a standard.

Common error

Avoid using "natural" as a generic descriptor; instead, be specific about what aspect of something is "natural". For instance, instead of "a natural solution", specify "a solution derived from organic sources".

Linguistic Context

The word "natural" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate qualities related to nature, origin, or lack of artificiality. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its adjectival use, aligning with its function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "natural" is a versatile adjective widely used to describe something existing in or caused by nature, or something that is not artificial. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, it's crucial to consider the specific context to avoid vagueness and ensure the intended meaning is clearly conveyed. Ludwig confirms the widespread and appropriate use of this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherent

Focuses on something being an essential and permanent part of someone or something.

inborn

Highlights qualities or characteristics that are present from birth.

organic

Relates to something derived from living matter or produced without artificial assistance.

instinctive

Emphasizes behavior or reactions that are not learned but come automatically.

intrinsic

Stresses that something belongs to the essential nature of a thing.

genuine

Highlights authenticity and sincerity.

uncontrived

Emphasizes the absence of deliberate planning or artificiality.

unaffected

Suggests a lack of artificiality or pretense.

typical

Signifies being representative of a type, group, or category.

normal

Indicates conformity to a standard or regular pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "natural" in a sentence?

You can use "natural" to describe something that exists in or is caused by nature, such as "a natural habitat". It can also describe something that is not artificial or man-made, like "natural ingredients".

What are some alternatives to the word "natural"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inherent", "genuine", or "organic".

When is it appropriate to use "natural" versus "organic"?

"Natural" generally refers to something existing in or derived from nature, while "organic" typically refers to agricultural products produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The terms aren't always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "natural" and "normal"?

"Natural" refers to something existing in or caused by nature, while "normal" refers to something that is usual, typical, or expected. "Natural" implies origin, while "normal" implies conformity to a standard.