precious commodity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precious commodity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a metaphor for something which is not only of great value, but also rare and hard to obtain. For example, "Time is a precious commodity, so it's important to use it wisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're a precious commodity".

The New Yorker

It's a precious commodity".

The New York Times

Power is a precious commodity.

The New York Times

Human capital is a most precious commodity.

The New York Times

And "oyle" was a precious commodity.

The New York Times - Books

In better times, Knicks tickets were a precious commodity.

The New York Times

(Lower Manhattan real estate was a precious commodity even then).

The New York Times

Luck is a precious commodity in the N.F.L.

The New York Times - Sports

Water, a precious commodity there, was used by the truckload.

The New York Times

But certainly its most precious commodity is innovation.

The New York Times

Sleep is a precious commodity for Donna Campbell these days.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precious commodity", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase's connotation of scarcity and value aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "precious commodity" in overly casual settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. This phrase lends itself best to formal or semi-formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precious commodity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something highly valued and often scarce, adding emphasis to its importance. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "precious commodity" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that highlights the high value and scarcity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it’s best suited for neutral to formal registers. Remember to consider the context carefully to ensure the phrase's connotation aligns with your intended message, and avoid overuse in casual conversations. Alternatives like "valuable asset" or "scarce resource" can provide nuanced variations to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuable asset

Focuses on the inherent worth and usefulness of something.

scarce resource

Emphasizes the limited availability of something.

prized possession

Highlights the personal value and importance attached to something.

rare find

Stresses the difficulty in obtaining or discovering something.

irreplaceable item

Underscores the impossibility of replacing something if lost or damaged.

essential element

Highlights something's necessity or crucial nature.

invaluable treasure

Emphasizes both the high value and the sense of cherishing something.

vital component

Indicates something is critical to a larger system or process.

golden opportunity

Focuses on the exceptional and advantageous nature of a chance.

hot commodity

Implies high demand and desirability, often in a business context.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "precious commodity" in a sentence?

Use "precious commodity" to emphasize the high value and scarcity of something. For instance, "In today's fast-paced world, time is a "precious commodity"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "precious commodity"?

Consider using alternatives like "valuable asset", "scarce resource", or "prized possession" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "valuable commodity" semantically the same as "precious commodity"?

While both phrases indicate worth, "precious commodity" emphasizes scarcity and irreplaceability, whereas "valuable commodity" simply highlights the usefulness and importance.

When is it appropriate to use "precious commodity" in writing?

Use "precious commodity" when you want to highlight not just the value, but also the limited availability and high demand for something, such as in discussions about natural resources or time management.