ornaments

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ornaments" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to objects that are used to decorate something. For example: "The tree was adorned with colorful ornaments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He steals from the houses he breaks into, but appears to take items, such as ornaments or jewellery, as 'mementos' rather than straightforward burglary.

The Guardian

Family photo frames, ornaments and toys; whatever she can get her hands on and will get some money quickly.

The Guardian

At the last three gyms I've joined, the rowing machines have been little more than dusty old ornaments; relics of a bygone age that exist purely to remind people that Andrew Marr had a stroke after using one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Located in the Mouassine area of the medina, close to the King's Palace, it mixes original features and rich local fabrics with modern European ornaments and huge street-artist paintings.

The Guardian - Travel

Himmeli sculptures are little geometric mobiles that were originally made as a Finnish Christmas ornaments, to be hung up in the house and on the tree.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He likes ornaments and patterns a lot and he was very surprised that Belarus has such unusual ornaments," says Anton. "He had never seen anything like it.

The Guardian

As for Viktor's branch of the family, under the benevolent Emperor Franz Josef they were, writes Edmund de Waal, Viktor's great-grandson, "so perfectly assimilated they …disappeared into Vienna .Among the other ponderous ornaments of that assimilation, the netsuke sat uneasily.

The Economist

They sold their house and moved into lodgings, then books and ornaments, then furniture.

The Economist

Gypsies gave up wearing in public the gold earrings and other ornaments they were fond of, knowing that the police would seize them.

The Economist

She never took root anywhere, but kept her trunks ready and her ornaments few, ready to move on.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

At this stage of her life, with Oscar nominations mounting up for her acting in raw, demanding parts, she began to feel that gorgeous ornaments like lavish contracts were only what she deserved.It was Richard Burton's jewels she treasured most, the wild spontaneity with which he gave them mirroring their explosive, unmanageable, on-again-off-again love.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing decorative elements, use "ornaments" to refer specifically to items added for beautification, especially in contexts like holiday decorations or architectural details. It is important to be specific to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "ornaments" to describe functional parts of a system or structure. Reserve the term for purely decorative additions to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "ornaments" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to multiple decorative objects or embellishments. It is used to describe items that add beauty or style to something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ornaments" refers to decorative items used to enhance the appearance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. The word functions primarily as a plural noun and appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While synonyms like "decorations" or "adornments" can be used, "ornaments" is particularly appropriate when referring to items added specifically for beautification. Remember to avoid using "ornaments" to describe functional components. In summary, "ornaments" is a versatile term for decorative items across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decorations

Replaces "ornaments" with a more general term for decorative items.

adornments

Uses a more formal synonym for "ornaments", implying embellishment.

embellishments

Similar to "adornments", but focuses on added details for enhancement.

trinkets

Suggests small, often inexpensive, decorative items.

baubles

Refers to showy, often cheap, ornaments.

finery

Emphasizes elegance and refinement in decoration.

decor

A shorter, more modern term for decorative items.

trappings

Implies items associated with a particular role or occasion, used decoratively.

garniture

A less common term for decorative additions.

accessories

Highlights items that complement and enhance something else, decoratively.

FAQs

How can I use "ornaments" in a sentence?

You can use "ornaments" to describe items used for decoration. For example, "The Christmas tree was covered in colorful ornaments."

What are some synonyms for "ornaments"?

Alternatives include "decorations", "adornments", and "embellishments", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "ornaments" to describe functional parts of a building?

No, "ornaments" should be reserved for purely decorative additions. Use terms like "features" or "elements" for functional parts.

What is the difference between "ornaments" and "accessories"?

"Ornaments" are primarily for decoration, while "accessories" can be both functional and decorative, often complementing a larger item or outfit.