prized possessions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prized possessions" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to items that are highly valued or cherished by someone. For example: "Her grandmother's necklace is one of her prized possessions." Alternative expressions include "treasured belongings," "valued items," and "cherished possessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He hadn't been giving away prized possessions.

The New Yorker

Others are selling off prized possessions.

The New York Times

For the privileged few they were prized possessions.

The Economist

Many American presidents have kept prized possessions within reach during their White House years.

The New York Times

Another important form was illumination; illuminated manuscripts were prized possessions and often displayed on high holy days.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I have a few material prized possessions.

Huffington Post

The few books of hers that I have with me now are also prized possessions.

Huffington Post

Books are prized possessions in Myanmar, and access to them is quite limited.

Huffington Post

Fighting cocks are prized possessions and are often transported long distances.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Mistakes are good- Use a vintage/ floral box to hold books or prized possessions.

WikiHow

Ever since, García has been chasing golf's most prized possessions.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sentimental items, use "prized possessions" to convey a sense of deep personal value and emotional connection. For example, "The old photograph album was among her most prized possessions."

Common error

While "prized possessions" effectively conveys emotional value, avoid overusing it in formal business or academic writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "valued assets" or "important items" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prized possessions" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies items that are highly valued by someone, often due to sentimental or personal reasons. The Ludwig AI confirms the common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prized possessions" is a noun phrase that effectively conveys the high value and emotional attachment someone has toward certain items. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best to consider the context—opting for more neutral terms like "valued assets" in formal settings. Remember to use "prized possessions" when you wish to emphasize the personal and often sentimental value associated with the items, differentiating it from purely monetary worth. Understanding its nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most prized things

A slightly different phrasing emphasizing the act of prizing or valuing something.

treasured belongings

Focuses on the act of valuing and keeping safe; implies a deep emotional connection.

cherished items

Emphasizes the feeling of love and protection associated with the items.

personal treasures

Emphasizes the personal and emotional value, likening the items to hidden gems.

most loved things

Directly states the affection felt for the objects.

precious property

Highlights the irreplaceability and high value attached to the property.

valued assets

Highlights the worth or importance of the items, especially in a financial or practical sense.

dearest holdings

Highlights emotional attachment and a sense of ownership over the possessions.

invaluable articles

Stresses the irreplaceable nature and high importance of the items.

highly esteemed goods

A more formal way to describe items that are greatly respected or admired.

FAQs

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

You can use "prized possessions" to describe items that someone values highly. For example, "Her collection of vintage records were among her "prized possessions"."

What are some alternatives to "prized possessions"?

Some alternatives include "treasured belongings", "cherished items", or "valued assets", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "prized possessions" formal or informal?

"Prized possessions" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it leans towards conveying emotional value. In strictly formal contexts, consider "valued assets".

What's the difference between "prized possessions" and "valuable belongings"?

"Prized possessions" implies a sentimental or emotional attachment, while "valuable belongings" focuses more on the monetary or practical worth. A family heirloom might be a "prized possession", while a stock portfolio represents "valuable belongings".