worldly needs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worldly needs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the material or physical desires and requirements that people have in their lives. Example: "In a world filled with distractions, it's important to remember that our worldly needs should not overshadow our spiritual growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The money in turn is used by the villagers to buy much-needed medicines, the rest of their worldly needs taken care of by the ocean and the minuscule farms around the huts.

The Guardian - Travel

And if we did find it, it wouldn't be paradise anymore because we would bring to it all our worldly needs and expectations and alter the perfect atmosphere, dim the glow.

The New York Times - Arts

Once people's worldly needs were met, religion could afford to shift its focus away from material rewards in the present and toward spiritual rewards in the afterlife.

Science Magazine

He also noted that the characters were driven to their actions by worldly needs and not religion.

Wikipedia

The Centro San Juan Diego ministers to spiritual and worldly needs, including English classes, law clinics and instruction on starting a small business.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But for a sport to stay fresh, that other-worldly talent needs to be harried and shot at by a voracious chasing posse, desperate to bring them down.

BBC

At the same time, the worldly monads need the leadership of a supreme agent if harmony has to be widespread across the entire universe.

SEP

Because the posh, other-worldly Tories needed a senior strategist who understood ordinary voters.

The Economist

She's really just a novelist -- although one has to wonder about a middle-aged, putatively worldly woman who needs to ask, later, "What's a colonoscopy?" She's a respected writer, but it has never occurred to her to communicate by e-mail.

The New York Times - Books

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Hazrat Ali (ra) had continuously advocated living in moderation; it's a mid path between the worldly and spiritual needs.

Huffington Post

Whatever a worldly client might need — tasty langoustines for an impromptu picnic, let's say, or a hydroplane to Martinique — Ten will try to arrange it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a balance between spiritual and material life, use "worldly needs" to clearly represent tangible, non-spiritual requirements.

Common error

Avoid using "worldly needs" in contexts that promote excessive materialism. Instead, balance the discussion with spiritual or ethical considerations to provide a more holistic view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worldly needs" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'worldly' acts as an adjective modifying 'needs'. According to Ludwig, it correctly identifies tangible, material requirements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worldly needs" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote the material and practical requirements of human existence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While relatively infrequent overall, it's important to use it judiciously, balancing discussions with considerations beyond materialism. Consider alternatives like "material needs" or "practical demands" based on the specific context to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

material needs

Focuses specifically on physical possessions and economic requirements.

basic necessities

Refers to fundamental needs required for survival and well-being.

earthly desires

Emphasizes desires tied to the physical world and experiences.

daily needs

Focuses on the routine requirements of everyday life.

mundane requirements

Highlights everyday, practical necessities.

secular necessities

Refers to non-religious, practical needs.

practical demands

Focuses on the functional and realistic aspects of needs.

bodily requirements

Specifically addresses physical and health-related needs.

temporal wants

Highlights the temporary and fleeting nature of certain desires.

physical comforts

Concentrates on needs related to ease and well-being.

FAQs

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

You can use "worldly needs" to describe the everyday requirements and desires of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing. For example, "Balancing spiritual growth with attention to our worldly needs is essential for a fulfilling life."

What are some alternatives to "worldly needs"?

Alternatives include "material needs", "earthly desires", or "practical demands", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "worldly needs" and "spiritual needs"?

"Worldly needs" refer to tangible, physical requirements, while "spiritual needs" pertain to emotional, ethical, or religious fulfillment. Addressing both is often considered important for overall well-being.

Is it correct to prioritize "worldly needs" over "spiritual needs"?

The prioritization depends on individual values and beliefs. Some prioritize "spiritual needs", while others focus on "worldly needs", and many seek a balance between the two.