purely physical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purely physical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is entirely based on physical aspects, without any emotional or mental components. Example: "The competition was purely physical, focusing on strength and endurance rather than strategy or tactics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sometimes disgust is purely physical.

The New Yorker

Is the world purely physical?

Stanford University

And yet touch is rarely purely physical.

The New Yorker

There's something about those purely physical moments".

The Guardian

And yet touch is rarely purely physical.

The New Yorker

It's a challenge beyond the purely physical.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sacrifice was more than purely physical.

The New York Times

Moreover, the mill's reinvention transcends the purely physical.

The New York Times - Magazine

Could a purely physical being fall in love?

Yale University

Three, all purely physical systems are subject to determinism.

Yale University

So, conclusion, four, we are not a purely physical system.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "purely physical", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are excluding non-physical elements such as emotional, mental, or spiritual aspects. Be precise in your language to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "purely physical" when the physical aspect is complex or nuanced. The phrase can sometimes suggest a lack of complexity, so choose a different term if the physical elements involve intricate processes or considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purely physical" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun. It serves to limit the scope of the noun to its physical attributes, excluding any mental, emotional, or spiritual aspects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something with a focus on the tangible and corporeal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "purely physical" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that specifies a focus on the tangible or bodily aspects of something, excluding other dimensions such as emotions or thoughts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It finds common usage across diverse contexts, including news, academic discourse, and scientific literature. When using "purely physical", ensure clarity and precision to avoid ambiguity, and consider the connotations of simplicity that the term might carry in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely physical

Replaces "purely" with "solely", emphasizing the exclusive nature of the physical aspect.

entirely physical

Substitutes "purely" with "entirely", highlighting the completeness of the physical component.

exclusively physical

Uses "exclusively" instead of "purely", stressing that only the physical aspect is involved.

merely physical

Employs "merely" to suggest that something is only physical and perhaps lacking in other aspects.

simply physical

Replaces "purely" with "simply", indicating a basic or straightforward physical nature.

fundamentally physical

Highlights the physical aspect as the most basic or essential characteristic.

materialistic

Describes something focused on physical matter or objects.

corporeal

Focuses on the physical body and its attributes.

tangible

Emphasizes the physical aspect as something that can be touched or perceived.

concrete

Highlights the physical aspect as real and specific.

FAQs

How to use "purely physical" in a sentence?

You can use "purely physical" to describe something that is only related to the body or tangible things, without any emotional or mental components. For example: "The exercise was a "purely physical" challenge, requiring strength and endurance."

What can I say instead of "purely physical"?

You can use alternatives like "solely physical", "entirely physical", or "exclusively physical" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "purely physical" or "physical only"?

"Purely physical" is generally preferred in formal writing as it sounds more natural. "Physical only" is also acceptable but might sound less sophisticated.

What's the difference between "purely physical" and "physical"?

"Physical" refers to anything related to the body or material world. "Purely physical" emphasizes that only the physical aspect is considered, excluding other elements like emotions or thoughts.