natural resource

USAGE SUMMARY

"natural resource" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "natural resource" to refer to any material found in nature that can be used to create goods or services. For example, "Coral reefs are a precious natural resource that must be protected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

You're misspending your natural resource revenues.

The Guardian

This is just another natural resource".

The Guardian

Trees are Finland's most important natural resource.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Water is an essential natural resource.

Journal of Hydrology

THINK of trust as a natural resource, like water.

The New York Times

"And this is a pretty unique natural resource".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Producing natural resource-based commodities also brings major environmental risk.

The Guardian

Other natural-resource and communications funds lagged.

The New York Times

Natural-resource wealth also depresses entrepreneurialism.

The New Yorker

Many of these are natural-resource companies.

The Economist

There, he became an architect of natural-resource economics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "natural resources", be specific about the type of resource you are referring to (e.g., water, minerals, timber) to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "natural resources" as a vague catch-all term. Instead of saying "The region is rich in natural resources", specify which resources are abundant (e.g., "The region is rich in timber and mineral deposits").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural resource" functions primarily as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, indicating its role as a fundamental element in describing naturally occurring assets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "natural resource" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe naturally occurring materials valuable to humans. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news reports to academic research. While versatile, it's important to be specific about the type of resource to avoid vagueness. Common contexts include discussions around resource management, economic impact, and environmental concerns. The term appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Raw materials

Focuses on the unprocessed state of natural resources.

Mineral wealth

Focuses specifically on resources derived from minerals.

Ecological resources

Broader term encompassing all valuable resources provided by ecosystems.

Fossil fuel reserves

Highlights the subset of natural resources related to fossil fuels.

Renewable energy sources

Highlights resources that can be replenished naturally.

Timber stock

Refers specifically to the available supply of timber.

Water supply

Emphasizes the availability of water as a resource.

Indigenous materials

Highlights resources that are native to a particular region or ecosystem.

Environmental assets

Similar to Earth's assets but with a slightly stronger environmental context.

Earth's assets

Broader term encompassing all valuable resources provided by the planet.

FAQs

How is the term "natural resource" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "natural resource" is often used to describe materials or substances occurring in nature that can be exploited for economic gain. For example, "Water is an essential "natural resource" for agriculture".

What are some alternative terms for "natural resource"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "raw materials", "environmental assets", or "ecological resources" as alternatives to "natural resource".

What is the difference between a "natural resource" and a "renewable resource"?

A "natural resource" is any naturally occurring substance or material that can be used by humans. A "renewable resource" is a type of natural resource that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy or timber.

Why is the management of "natural resources" important?

Effective management of "natural resources" is crucial for ensuring their long-term availability and sustainability. Mismanagement can lead to depletion, environmental degradation, and economic instability. Sustainable practices are essential for preserving these resources for future generations.