worldly goods

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worldly goods" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to material possessions or wealth, often in a context discussing values or priorities. Example: "He realized that his pursuit of worldly goods was overshadowing his relationships and personal happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We take care of their worldly goods".

The New York Times

Neighbors took their worldly goods.

The New York Times

Abdication of worldly goods is another fundamental principle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He helps Nick find buyers for his worldly goods.

The New Yorker

Writer sells his worldly goods and goes to London.

The New Yorker

He has divested himself of all his worldly goods.

The New Yorker

His worldly goods were his family, his books, and music.

The New York Times

"@arewashams: Riches are not from an abundance of worldly goods but from a contented mind.

Independent

At 15, he arrived in Liverpool with all his worldly goods in a paper bag.

The New York Times

Usually such quarrels involve worldly goods and rival claims to be the true believers.

The Economist

Francis renounced worldly goods and family ties to embrace a life of poverty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing values or spiritual priorities, use "worldly goods" to contrast with intangible assets like relationships or inner peace.

Common error

Avoid consistently focusing on "worldly goods" in contexts where ethical or moral considerations are more relevant. Ensure discussions about wealth are balanced with discussions about responsibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worldly goods" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to material possessions or wealth. It often appears in contexts discussing values, priorities, or ethical considerations. Ludwig provides many examples where this phrase is used to contrast material wealth with spiritual or emotional well-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worldly goods" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to material possessions or wealth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia. While its register is generally neutral, it can lean towards formal, especially in philosophical or ethical discussions. When writing, it's crucial to consider the context and avoid overemphasizing materialism, maintaining a balance with ethical and moral considerations. Alternative phrases such as "material possessions" or "earthly belongings" may offer subtle differences in nuance. The phrase, though common, invites careful use to ensure balanced and thoughtful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worldly possessions

Almost identical in meaning but emphasizes the worldly aspect.

material possessions

Focuses specifically on physical items someone owns.

earthly possessions

Similar to material possessions but with a stronger connotation of impermanence.

material wealth

Emphasizes the financial aspect of possessions.

temporal goods

A more formal or archaic term for earthly possessions.

personal belongings

Refers to items that are personally owned and used.

acquired assets

Focuses on the aspect of accumulation and ownership.

financial resources

Highlights the monetary value and availability of funds.

material comforts

Emphasizes the aspect of luxury and ease provided by possessions.

estate

Encompasses all property and assets owned by a person, especially at the time of death.

FAQs

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

You can use "worldly goods" to refer to material possessions, as in, "He decided to renounce all his worldly goods and dedicate his life to charity".

What's a good alternative to "worldly goods"?

Alternatives include "material possessions", "earthly possessions", or "material wealth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "worldly goods" in formal writing?

Yes, "worldly goods" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing philosophical or ethical concepts related to wealth and possessions. It can also be used in more narrative contexts.

What is the difference between "worldly goods" and "earthly possessions"?

While similar, "worldly goods" often carries a slightly stronger connotation of being temporary or less important than spiritual or ethical values, whereas "earthly possessions" is a more neutral term for material belongings.