these precious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these precious" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used before a noun to express the value or importance of something. Example: These precious moments with my family are what I treasure the most.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And where will Iowa farmers plant these precious vegetative strips?

Yale University

Indeed these precious records are the ultimate time machine.

The Guardian

We didn't save these precious areas for the dogs.

The New York Times

I won't ruin these precious moments of the film.

The Guardian - Film

What can be done to save these precious and beautiful ecosystems?

Columbia University

"Pictures!" "Words!" Its interesting to see other ways to introduce these precious tools for learning.

Yale University

We will explore and examine these precious objects using materials from Harvard's collections.

Harvard University

We've got to rediscover these precious values that we've left behind.

Stanford University

"All these precious things are used as if they were dirt".

The New York Times - Arts

She rifles through a drawer, and pulls out several of these precious documents.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I ask Congress, let's not waste these precious weeks," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these precious" to emphasize the emotional, intrinsic, or irreplaceable value of something. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and message.

Common error

Avoid using "these precious" excessively in formal or technical writing. While it conveys value, it can sometimes sound sentimental or subjective in contexts that require objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these precious" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It is used to emphasize the high value, whether emotional, intrinsic, or material, of the noun that follows. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

HuffPost

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "these precious" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote high value or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various domains. While versatile, its use should be carefully considered in formal contexts to avoid sounding overly sentimental. Related phrases like "these invaluable" or "these priceless" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these invaluable

Emphasizes the irreplaceable and beneficial nature of the items.

these priceless

Highlights the infinite worth and impossibility of assigning a monetary value.

these cherished

Focuses on the emotional value and the act of holding something dear.

these treasured

Similar to cherished, but may also imply historical or cultural significance.

these beloved

Indicates deep affection and love for the items in question.

these exquisite

Highlights the beauty and refined quality of the items.

these esteemed

Emphasizes respect and high regard for the items or concepts.

these irreplaceable

Directly conveys that the items cannot be replaced if lost or damaged.

these significant

Highlights the importance and impact of the items.

these remarkable

Focuses on the exceptional and noteworthy qualities of the items.

FAQs

How can I use "these precious" in a sentence?

You can use "these precious" to describe items, moments, or relationships that you highly value. For example, "These precious memories will last a lifetime", or "We must protect these precious resources".

What are some alternatives to using "these precious"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "these invaluable", "these priceless", or "these cherished".

Is "these precious" too sentimental for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, using "these precious" in highly formal writing might sound too sentimental. Consider "these significant" or "these remarkable" as more neutral alternatives.

What's the difference between "these precious" and "these valuable"?

"These precious" typically conveys emotional or intrinsic worth, while "these valuable" often refers to monetary or practical value. For example, you might say "these precious family heirlooms" versus "these valuable data points".