prized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is highly valued or cherished, often in the context of awards, possessions, or qualities. Example: "Her prized possession is a vintage guitar that she has had since her teenage years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A male hen harrier's silhouette gliding low over the moorland is an eerie sight greatly prized by bird lovers, but the bird is best known for its aerobatic displays of climbing, twisting and rolling, known as sky dancing.

The Guardian

As well as regular gifts of aftershave and alcohol, it has also been revealed that the brother of the Libyan Investment Authority's vice chairman was awarded a highly prized Goldman internship, although the bank says this happened after the disputed deals had been agreed.

The Guardian - Business

Their olfactory brilliance makes them highly prized in drug raids, earthquake zones and police chases.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The main benefit of their prized pupil premium was to draw attention to "the gap" and to plug a funding black hole, rather than provide any more significant funding than was available for the disadvantaged under Labour.

The Guardian

Elephant tusks are prized in Asia, where they are carved into ivory statuettes and jewelry.

The Guardian

One gets the impression that Clarkson's sense of self is hard won and highly prized.

The Guardian - Music

The rolling hills by the Black Sea, 90 minutes north-west of Istanbul, have long been prized for their dense forest and pristine lakes.

The Guardian

thegannet.com GG Sichuan pepper, commonly known in Chinese as "flower pepper", is one of the signature spices of Sichuanese cooking, prized not for its heat but for its cool, lip-tingling sensation and citrussy fragrance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It can snatch a creature as small as a beetle or as bulky as a duck, but its favourite food on high moors is a plump little bird greatly prized by game shooters: the red grouse.

The Guardian

The North Island is Te Ika A Maui, "the fish of Maui" (recounting the mythic tale of New Zealand's creation) where the South is Te Wai Pounamu, "the waters of greenstone" (describing the glassy stone, prized by Maori, that is found in the swift rivers and along the savage misted beaches of the lonely south).

The Guardian - Books

They also are frequently the targets of illegal hunting for their prized ivory tusks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prized" to emphasize the high value or importance of something, especially when it's cherished or admired. For example, "His prized possession was his collection of rare books."

Common error

Avoid using "prized" in contexts where a more neutral term like "valuable" or "important" would be more appropriate. Overusing "prized" can make your writing sound overly sentimental or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prized" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are highly valued or cherished. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use before nouns like "possession" and "pupil premium".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prized" functions as an adjective to denote something of high value or importance, often with an emotional or personal connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage of "prized" is correct and common across various contexts, especially in News & Media. Related alternatives include "highly valued" and "cherished", each offering slight variations in emphasis. When using "prized", consider the context to avoid over-sentimentalizing your writing, and remember that it's most effective when describing something valued by a specific group or individual. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "prized" into your writing to convey a sense of deep appreciation and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly valued

Focuses more on the act of valuing something highly.

cherished

Implies a sentimental or emotional attachment.

esteemed

Suggests respect and admiration.

treasured

Emphasizes the safekeeping and protection of something valuable.

invaluable

Highlights the irreplaceability of the item or quality.

highly regarded

Focuses on the opinion and assessment of others.

much admired

Highlights the quality of inspiring admiration in others.

well respected

Emphasizes widespread respect and recognition.

sought-after

Highlights the high demand or desirability.

held in high esteem

A more formal way of expressing respect and admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "prized" in a sentence?

Use "prized" to describe something that is highly valued or cherished. For example, "The museum's most prized artifact is an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus."

What's a good alternative to using "prized"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "highly valued", "cherished", or "esteemed".

Is it correct to say something is "prized by everyone"?

While grammatically correct, it's stronger to use "prized" when something is valued by a specific group or individual. For broader appreciation, "popular" or "appreciated" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "prized" and "valued"?

"Prized" suggests a deeper level of emotional attachment or personal significance than "valued", which simply means something is considered important or useful.