physical possessions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical possessions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to tangible items or belongings that a person owns. Example: "After the move, I realized how many physical possessions I had accumulated over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Dissolving physical possessions into the cloud is certainly convenient.

MIT Technology Review

No matter how meager their physical possessions, they carry beliefs, traditions, sensibilities, ways of talking, thinking, seeing and doing, all in their heads.

The New York Times - Arts

Cour says that as Punjabis and Sikhs, they have left and lost their physical possessions as well as the importance of their language.

Stanford University

If we want the best of both cloud and physical possessions, we must find some way to rebalance the scales and reassert our rights.

MIT Technology Review

For most survivors, coping with the physical possessions and conventional assets of the departed can be overwhelming enough, but at least there are parameters and precedents.

The New York Times - Magazine

It shows that the distribution of total wealth – comprising net financial wealth (cash minus debts), net property wealth (value minus mortgage), physical possessions and pension pots – has not altered since 2006-08.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Elsewhere in the novel, Swann's obsession with Odette results in a lustreless marriage, for "in physical possession... the possessor possesses nothing".

The Guardian - Books

Under New York law, "to possess" is "to have physical possession or otherwise to exercise dominion or control over tangible property". N.Y.Penal Law § 10.00 8) (McKinney 1975).

Cornell University

He may or may not take physical possession of them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, music takes physical possession of the performers and, by extension, of the audience.

The New Yorker

The physical possession of a book may become of little significance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of minimalism or decluttering, use "physical possessions" to emphasize the tangible items being reduced.

Common error

Avoid using "physical possessions" when referring to copyrights, patents, or trademarks. These are forms of intellectual property, not tangible items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical possessions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to denote tangible items owned by someone, as seen in Ludwig's examples illustrating loss, attachment, or detachment from material wealth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physical possessions" is a grammatically sound noun phrase referring to tangible items owned by an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While synonyms like "material goods" and "tangible assets" exist, it's crucial to differentiate it from intangible assets like intellectual property. Remember to use "physical possessions" when specifically referring to tangible items in discussions about wealth, ownership, or personal belongings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

material goods

Focuses on the economic aspect and tangible nature of possessions.

tangible assets

Emphasizes the measurable and concrete value of possessions.

personal effects

Highlights items associated with an individual's personal use.

worldly goods

Suggests possessions related to earthly existence and material wealth.

personal belongings

General term for items owned by an individual.

chattels

Formal term referring to movable personal property.

private property

Highlights the legal ownership of possessions.

movable assets

Emphasizes the characteristic of being easily moved.

articles of property

Highlights the characteristic of being objects of ownership.

personal estate

Refers to all the assets owned by an individual, including both tangible and intangible items.

FAQs

How can I use "physical possessions" in a sentence?

You can use "physical possessions" to refer to tangible items that someone owns, such as "The fire destroyed all of her "physical possessions"."

What are some synonyms for "physical possessions"?

Alternatives to "physical possessions" include "material goods", "tangible assets", and "personal belongings".

Is it correct to use "physical possessions" in a formal context?

Yes, "physical possessions" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when discussing wealth distribution, property rights, or estate planning. However, you may consider using "tangible assets" in certain business or legal settings.

What's the difference between "physical possessions" and "personal belongings"?

While both refer to things you own, "physical possessions" emphasizes the tangible aspect, whereas "personal belongings" is a broader term that can include items of sentimental value, regardless of monetary worth.