nature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nature" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it when referring to the natural world, characteristics, or inherent qualities of something. Example: "The beauty of nature is often a source of inspiration for artists and writers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We believe together we have an opportunity to demonstrate the true nature of British Islam today.

The Guardian

"Yes, I had concerns about Mr Obeid's son working for the company … yes, I was lobbied, but that's the nature of being premier, people lobby the premier, it doesn't mean they get what they want".

The Guardian

Without her taking a side, it cast just the right element of doubt over the nature of the decision".

The Guardian

"I'm an optimist by nature.

The New York Times

It dates back to 1967 when Lauren designed a line of neck ties and the success can be put down to the brand's eclectic nature.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This, one must hope, will be the case with Trott, whatever the nature of his sudden difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

It neglects big questions about the nature of a modern party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neil reckons that the tense, topsy-turvy nature of their semi-final could give them an edge over Middlesbrough, whose victory over Brentford was relatively straight-forward.

The Guardian - Sport

A cornerstone of the good practice guidelines is that MBCT teachers have an established personal mindfulness practice and appreciate the common nature of human suffering, rather than teaching from a purely intellectual stance".

The Guardian

But it does need to be said that Roger was, and is, one of journalism's forces of nature: a fount of talent, professionalism, intuition – and fun.

The Guardian

"We've now got tangible figures of the quantities and locations of fossil fuels that should remain unused in trying to keep within the 2C temperature limit," said Christophe McGlade, at University College London (UCL), and who led the new research published in the journal Nature.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "nature", consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize: the environment, inherent qualities, or a broader philosophical concept. Using precise language will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid conflating "nature", which refers to innate qualities, with "nurture", which encompasses environmental influences. Using them interchangeably can lead to misinterpretations in discussions about development or behavior.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nature" is as a noun, referring either to the physical world and its phenomena or to the inherent qualities of something. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate this dual usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nature" is a versatile noun with broad applications, referring to the physical world and inherent qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can increase in academic contexts. When using "nature", be mindful of the specific aspect you wish to convey and avoid confusing it with "nurture". Alternatives like "natural world" or "essence" can provide more specific connotations depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural world

Emphasizes the physical environment and ecosystems.

inherent characteristics

Focuses on the intrinsic qualities of something.

essential qualities

Highlights the fundamental attributes of a subject.

innate disposition

Refers to an inborn tendency or temperament.

natural environment

Specifically relates to the ecological surroundings.

physical universe

Encompasses all physical matter and energy.

intrinsic properties

Highlights the built-in attributes.

the wild

Refers to areas untouched by humans.

character

Refers to the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

essence

Highlights the core or defining attribute.

FAQs

How can I use "nature" in a sentence?

You can use "nature" to refer to the natural world, as in "We went for a walk in nature". It can also describe the inherent qualities of something, like "The nature of the problem is complex".

What are some synonyms for "nature"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the natural world", "character", or "essence".

Is it correct to say "by nature"?

Yes, the phrase "by nature" is correct and means inherently or innately. For example, "She is kind by nature" means she is inherently kind.

What is the difference between "nature" and "the environment"?

"Nature" is a broader term encompassing the natural world and inherent qualities, while "the environment" specifically refers to the surroundings and conditions affecting organisms.