worldly concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worldly concerns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to issues or matters that are related to the physical world, often in contrast to spiritual or abstract matters. Example: "While he was deeply engaged in his spiritual practice, he often found himself distracted by worldly concerns such as work and finances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The temple she was to consecrate was born of more worldly concerns.

The New York Times - Magazine

But not all the conservative churches were so withdrawn from worldly concerns.

The New Yorker

All that tugging on udders doesn't leave much time for worldly concerns, like fine clothes.

The New York Times - Style

It was a place of absolute tranquillity, serene and still — the end of the world with no worldly concerns.

The New York Times - Travel

The titles of his tunes — like "Swiftboating" and "Skateboard Intifada," both from his latest album — point to his worldly concerns.

The New York Times

Their songs are mostly about Christian devotion, but they also address worldly concerns, like slavery and drug addiction.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

For much of the past two millennia, Taoism was politically eclipsed by Confucianism, with its more worldly concern for family and society.

The New Yorker

The fusion of my two interests in fashion and worldly concern climaxed while interning in London (2007).

Huffington Post

In the 14th century, an anonymous English mystic wrote a book called The Cloud of Unknowing, in which he argued that the contemplative life (that of a monk or nun, given fully to prayer and meditation) is "higher" than the so-called active life (that of a layperson, concerned with worldly affairs, even religious concerns such as care for the poor).

Huffington Post

Such dopiness should make me ashamed, but it really doesn't: Hallmark exists for the liberation of critical thought from one's brain, and for the subsequent dousing of that brain in serotonin, causing worldly cares and concerns to melt away.

The New Yorker

Vices, on the other hand, are thought to create disharmony, fuel worldly anxieties and concerns, and stimulate destructive emotions.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting spiritual or philosophical discussions with practical realities, use "worldly concerns" to clearly delineate the focus on tangible and immediate issues.

Common error

Avoid using "worldly concerns" in contexts where a purely negative connotation of materialism is implied; instead, consider more neutral terms like "practical matters" or "everyday responsibilities" if the intent is not to criticize a focus on material wealth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worldly concerns" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement, referring to matters related to the material world as opposed to spiritual or abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and semantic validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worldly concerns" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to issues related to the material world. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase effectively contrasts tangible, practical aspects of life with more abstract or spiritual pursuits. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended connotation, and consider synonyms such as "earthly affairs" or "practical matters" for nuanced contexts. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations in overly materialistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earthly affairs

Focuses more on everyday events and activities, slightly broader in scope.

material interests

Emphasizes the financial or tangible aspects, highlighting a focus on possessions.

mundane matters

Highlights the ordinariness and routine nature of the concerns, suggesting a lack of excitement.

secular affairs

Contrasts with religious or spiritual contexts, focusing on non-religious aspects of life.

temporal issues

Emphasizes the time-bound nature of the concerns, highlighting their impermanence.

practical considerations

Highlights the pragmatic and functional aspects of the concerns, emphasizing problem-solving.

daily responsibilities

Focuses on the obligations and duties, emphasizing a sense of obligation.

economic realities

Highlights the financial and market-driven aspects, emphasizing a focus on money and resources.

civic duties

Relates to concerns about one's role as a citizen and contributions to society.

immediate needs

Emphasizes the urgency and necessity of addressing the concerns, suggesting a lack of long-term planning.

FAQs

How can I use "worldly concerns" in a sentence?

You can use "worldly concerns" to describe everyday issues such as finances, work, or social obligations. For example: "Despite his spiritual aspirations, he couldn't escape the demands of his worldly concerns."

What is an alternative to "worldly concerns"?

Alternatives include "earthly affairs", "material interests", or "practical matters", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "worldly concerns" instead of "spiritual matters"?

"Worldly concerns" is appropriate when discussing tangible, material, or secular aspects of life, whereas "spiritual matters" refers to the intangible, religious, or philosophical aspects. They are often used in contrast to each other.

How do "worldly concerns" differ from "day-to-day problems"?

"Worldly concerns" is a broader term that encompasses all aspects of practical, secular life, while "day-to-day problems" refers specifically to the challenges and difficulties encountered in daily routines. "Worldly concerns" might include larger issues like career goals or financial stability, whereas the latter would focus on immediate, smaller issues.