sought goods

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sought goods" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items or products that someone is actively looking for or trying to obtain. Example: "The store specializes in rare and sought goods that are hard to find elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science Magazine

The New Yorker

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although tribe members may have sought goods, "shooting arrows at people is a clear indication that they do not want contact".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Fontes sought good natural light.

The New York Times

She said: "Tony Blair also sought good relations with Putin.

The Guardian

The Grahams sought good public schools and a location no more than 30 minutes from Mr. Graham's office.

The New York Times

"I sought good treatment when doctors were telling me to go on a trip and enjoy myself".

The Guardian - Books

It was encouraging to hear President Bush declare yesterday that he still sought "good relations" with Russia.

The New York Times

He has sought good luck with various tactics, including spitting in the Mississippi River and taking his players to rub the stomach of the Saint Louis University icon, the Billiken.

The New York Times - Sports

That, in turn, generated more money for charities and gave him a selling point with which to seek goods.

The New York Times

It reckons this market amounts to 4 billion people, who are moving out of absolute poverty and seeking goods and services.

The Guardian

The West will still seek good relations.

The New York Times

Adoption programs seek good retirement homes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sought goods" when you want to emphasize a deliberate or active search for specific items, especially when those items might be rare or hard to find.

Common error

Avoid using "sought goods" in casual conversation or when describing commonly available items. Opt for simpler phrases like "looked for items" or "needed goods" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sought goods" functions as a noun phrase where "sought" acts as a past participle adjective modifying "goods". This structure indicates that the goods in question are the object of an active search or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sought goods" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe items that are being actively searched for or desired. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not an everyday expression, it is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize the effort involved in finding specific items, or when those items are considered rare or valuable. Remember, simpler alternatives like "desired items" or "requested products" may be more appropriate for casual or common situations. While not as common as other similar phrases, its impact is clear and precise when conveying a deliberate pursuit of particular goods.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desired items

Emphasizes the desirability of the items being looked for.

requested products

Highlights that the goods were specifically asked for or ordered.

looked-for merchandise

Focuses on the act of looking for particular items of trade.

pursued commodities

Indicates a more active and intentional effort to obtain specific raw materials or products.

searched-after possessions

Implies a widespread desire for certain assets or belongings.

obtained items

Focuses on the successful acquisition of the goods.

acquired merchandise

Highlights the process of gaining ownership of the goods.

procured products

Indicates a formal or official acquisition of the goods.

obtained commodities

Focuses on raw materials or basic goods acquired through a process.

secured possessions

Suggests that the goods were obtained with some effort or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "sought goods" in a sentence?

You might say, "The antique store specialized in rare and "sought goods", attracting collectors from around the world".

What phrases are similar to "sought goods"?

Alternatives include "desired items", "requested products", or "looked-for merchandise", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is "sought goods" formal or informal?

"Sought goods" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, phrases like "things we were looking for" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use the phrase "sought goods"?

Use "sought goods" when you wish to emphasize that items are being actively searched for, especially if they are rare, valuable, or have a specific purpose that requires careful acquisition.