social security

USAGE SUMMARY

"social security" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the system of public benefits that is provided by the government, such as health insurance, disability insurance, and retirement benefits. For example, "The elderly rely heavily on social security to support their basic needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— Social Security.

The New York Times

Perhaps also Social Security.

The New York Times

Like Social Security.

The New York Times

Social Security is special.

The New York Times

He hates Social Security.

The New York Times

(Consider Social Security).

The New York Times

Meaning Social Security retirement.

The New Yorker

Means-test Social Security.

The New York Times

Social Security Act, (Aug.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What about Social Security?

The New York Times

Plus Social Security".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define any related terms or concepts you introduce when discussing “social security”, especially if your audience may not be familiar with them, to ensure clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "social security" as a catch-all term for all forms of government assistance. "Social security" specifically refers to the system of benefits funded through payroll taxes, not broader welfare programs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social security" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a governmental system that provides monetary assistance to people with an inadequate or no income. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where it acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social security" is a common noun phrase referring to government-provided benefits and protections. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across numerous contexts, predominantly in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, writers should ensure clarity by specifying which aspect of social security they're discussing. Synonyms like "welfare state" or "government benefits" can be used depending on the desired emphasis, and the phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone suitable for formal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

welfare state

Focuses on the government's role in protecting and promoting the economic and social well-being of its citizens.

social welfare

Highlights the provision of assistance to disadvantaged individuals and families to meet basic needs.

government benefits

Emphasizes the direct financial assistance provided by the government to eligible recipients.

safety net programs

Refers to a range of programs designed to protect vulnerable populations from poverty and hardship.

old-age pension

Specifically refers to the retirement income provided to elderly individuals.

retirement benefits

Focuses on the financial support provided to individuals after they retire from the workforce.

disability insurance

Highlights the protection offered to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability.

social assistance

Refers to a broad range of support services and benefits provided to individuals and families in need.

national insurance

Implies a system where contributions are made by individuals to fund social security benefits.

public pension

Focuses on the pension provided by the government, differentiating it from private pensions.

FAQs

How is "social security" typically used in a sentence?

Generally, "social security" functions as a noun, referring to a government-administered system providing benefits like retirement income, disability support, and healthcare. For instance: "Many retirees depend on "social security" for their primary income".

What are some synonyms for "social security"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "welfare state", "government benefits", or "retirement benefits" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "social security" in formal writing?

Yes, "social security" is a standard term used in formal and professional contexts, including academic papers, news articles, and government reports. It accurately describes a specific system of social insurance.

What are the key components of "social security"?

The main components typically include retirement benefits, disability insurance, and survivor benefits. Some systems also include healthcare provisions. These collectively aim to provide a safety net for individuals and families.