paraphernalia

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'paraphernalia' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to things that are used for a particular activity, especially when these things are associated with something undesirable or illegal. For example: "The police discovered a large amount of drug paraphernalia in the suspect's house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some scams appeal to veterans' sense of loyalty and patriotism by employing affinity marketing – using military and US related paraphernalia.

The Guardian - Money

Seen in this light, it's clear that all the paraphernalia we regard as the sign and substance of government may in fact merely constitute what a dynamicist would think of as a "local maximum".

The Guardian

My living room has got cowboy paraphernalia all over it.

The Guardian

The old walled towns are densely packed with medieval churches, Arabic forts, watchtowers, palaces, bodegas, tobacconists, scooters, bars full of bullfighting paraphernalia, kids on pink bicycles, and people eating fish at rickety tables that block the traffic.

The Guardian - Travel

We spent ages beforehand minimising the amount of damage we'd make – abandoning the pram in favour of a baby carrier, cramming all the assembled going-out paraphernalia into tiny satchels, deliberately picking a quiet train, and finding the most obscured seats in case he needed to breastfeed – and hoped against hope that he wouldn't cry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The shelves are filled with paraphernalia such as pipes and bongs used for smoking cannabis, alongside the scales and "stench-proof" plastic bags popular with dealers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The introduction of a similar law in Ireland in 2010 led to the disappearance of nearly 100 high street 'head shops' selling legal highs and drug-related paraphernalia.

The Guardian

Four people in their 20s are busy at a table, iced coffees in jam jars and technical paraphernalia spread out before them.

The Guardian

This may explain why most innovation in the industry involves changes in packaging and marketing, producing all that fussy paraphernalia, rather than changing what is in the bottle.Another implication, says Dr Roberts, is that it is probably best that people choose perfumes for themselves rather than for someone else unless they happen to know what the recipient likes.

The Economist

Devolving these functions, in which Tory rule has been most irksome to the Scots, to an Edinburgh assembly should do little to disturb Britain's internal common market in goods and services.There is also little evidence that the Scots want to go on to acquire such things as armed forces, embassies, a currency or any of the other paraphernalia of full independence.

The Economist

Men can be sold "deodorant" and possibly "aftershave", but the idea of all those dinky little bottles with their fussy paraphernalia is too much for the sensitive male ego.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "paraphernalia", ensure the context clearly indicates the activity or purpose to which the items are related. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "paraphernalia" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "equipment" or "instruments" might be more appropriate. "Paraphernalia" can sometimes carry a connotation of informality or association with illicit activities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "paraphernalia" is that of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it refers to miscellaneous items or equipment associated with a particular activity. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from military items to drug-related objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paraphernalia" functions as a noun to describe a collection of items related to a specific activity. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is correct for use in written English. While grammatically sound and widely used, consider the context to avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Best practice involves ensuring the activity the items relate to is clear. Common errors include overuse in formal contexts, where specific terms might be more appropriate. Ludwig examples showcase the word's application across diverse scenarios. The word appears very often in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equipment

Broader term; refers to items needed for a specific purpose.

gear

Informal term for equipment used for a specific activity.

accessories

Items that enhance or complement something else.

supplies

Materials or items necessary for a particular activity.

accoutrements

Formal term for equipment or accessories.

implements

Tools or instruments used in a particular activity.

trappings

Outward decorations or signs associated with something.

belongings

Items owned by a person.

material

The matter from which a thing is or can be made.

things

A general term for objects or items.

FAQs

How can I use "paraphernalia" in a sentence?

"Paraphernalia" refers to miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity. Example: The artist's studio was filled with painting "equipment".

What are some synonyms for "paraphernalia"?

Alternatives to "paraphernalia" include "equipment", "gear", "accessories", and "supplies". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "paraphernalia" in formal writing?

While "paraphernalia" is a correct word, it might be better to use more formal terms like "equipment" or "instruments" in academic or professional contexts. Consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "paraphernalia" and "equipment"?

"Equipment" is a more general term for items needed for a specific purpose. "Paraphernalia" often implies a collection of miscellaneous items, sometimes associated with less formal or even illicit activities.