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A1 noun #856 le plus courant 16 min de lecture

goods

Top 856

At the A1 level, 'goods' is a simple word used to talk about things you see in a shop. Imagine you are at a supermarket. You see milk, bread, apples, and toys. All of these things are 'goods.' You can touch them and buy them. When you learn English at this level, you use 'goods' to describe shopping. For example, 'I buy goods at the store.' It is important to remember that 'goods' is always plural. You don't say 'one goods.' You say 'some goods' or 'many goods.' It is a very useful word because it covers almost everything you can buy. Whether it is clothes, food, or books, they are all goods. At this level, just focus on the idea that goods are things people sell and buy in a shop. You might see the word on signs in a mall, like 'Sporting Goods' for things like balls and bats, or 'Electrical Goods' for things like lamps and radios. It is a basic building block for talking about money and shopping in your daily life.

As you move to the A2 level, you start to use 'goods' in more specific ways related to daily life and basic work. You might talk about 'household goods,' which are the things in your home like furniture, plates, and towels. You also learn that 'goods' is different from 'services.' If you pay someone to fix your car, that is a service. If you buy a new car, that is a 'good.' At this level, you should practice using 'goods' with plural verbs like 'are' and 'were.' For example, 'The goods are in the bag.' You might also encounter the word when traveling. At an airport, you might see a sign that says 'Goods to Declare.' This means you have things in your suitcase that you might need to pay a tax on. You are also learning to use adjectives with 'goods,' such as 'cheap goods' or 'expensive goods.' This helps you describe the things you buy more clearly. Understanding 'goods' at this level helps you navigate shops, airports, and basic business conversations more confidently.

At the B1 level, you use 'goods' in more professional and social contexts. You might talk about 'consumer goods,' which are products made for people to use, or 'perishable goods,' which are things like food that can go bad quickly. You are starting to understand how 'goods' fits into the wider world of business and transport. For example, you might read about a 'goods train' that carries products across the country. You also learn common phrases like 'the sale of goods,' which is important if you are buying something expensive and want to know your rights. At this level, you can use 'goods' to discuss more complex topics like the environment (e.g., 'the production of goods uses a lot of energy') or charity (e.g., 'we donated many goods to the people in need'). You are also becoming more aware of the formal nature of the word. While you might say 'stuff' or 'things' with your friends, you would use 'goods' in a more serious or official situation. This shows that you are developing a better sense of 'register' in your English.

At the B2 level, 'goods' becomes a key term for discussing economics, trade, and law. You will use it to talk about 'durable goods' (things that last a long time, like washing machines) and 'non-durable goods' (things used quickly, like food). You might analyze 'supply and demand for goods' or discuss 'international trade in goods and services.' At this level, you are expected to use the word accurately in formal writing and presentations. You might encounter the idiom 'to deliver the goods,' which means to do what is expected or promised. For example, 'The new manager really delivered the goods by increasing sales.' You also understand the legal implications of the word, such as 'stolen goods' or 'counterfeit goods.' You can compare 'goods' with synonyms like 'merchandise' or 'commodities' and choose the best one for your context. Your understanding of 'goods' is now much more nuanced, allowing you to participate in discussions about the economy, business strategy, and consumer rights with greater precision and sophistication.

At the C1 level, your use of 'goods' is highly sophisticated and context-aware. You understand the subtle differences between 'goods,' 'commodities,' 'wares,' and 'inventory.' You can use the word in complex grammatical structures and in highly formal academic or legal writing. For example, you might discuss 'the liberalization of the trade in capital goods' or 'the ethical implications of the global supply chain for consumer goods.' You are familiar with technical terms like 'dry goods,' 'intermediate goods,' and 'public goods' (things like clean air or street lighting that everyone can use). You can also use the word metaphorically or idiomatically with ease. You might analyze how the concept of 'goods' has changed in the digital age with the rise of 'digital goods' and 'virtual goods.' At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to build complex arguments and express detailed ideas about society, economics, and law. You have a deep understanding of the word's history and its role in the structure of the English language.

At the C2 level, you have a complete and masterful command of the word 'goods.' You can use it in any context, from a casual conversation to a high-level legal or philosophical debate. You might explore the philosophical distinction between 'material goods' and 'moral goods,' or analyze the historical evolution of the 'Sale of Goods Act' across different jurisdictions. You are comfortable with the most obscure uses of the word and can use it to create subtle nuances in your writing and speech. You might discuss the 'fungibility of commodities' compared to 'unique goods' or the impact of 'mercantilism on the flow of goods' in the 18th century. Your vocabulary is so rich that you can choose 'goods' or any of its many synonyms to achieve exactly the right tone and meaning. You understand the word not just as a label for physical objects, but as a central concept in human civilization, trade, and thought. At this level, the word 'goods' is a versatile tool that you use with precision, creativity, and complete confidence.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

goods en 30 secondes

Goods are physical items like food, clothes, or electronics that are produced and sold to consumers in a marketplace or store.
The word is always plural in English, meaning you should always use 'are' or 'were' with it, never 'is' or 'was'.
In economics, goods are the opposite of services; goods are tangible objects you can keep, while services are actions performed by others.
Common types include consumer goods (for people), capital goods (for businesses), and perishable goods (items that spoil quickly like fresh food).

The word goods is a fundamental noun in the English language, primarily used to describe physical items, merchandise, or possessions that are produced, bought, and sold. Unlike the adjective 'good,' which describes quality, the noun 'goods' is always plural and refers to the tangible products of trade and commerce. When you walk into a supermarket, every item on the shelf—from the boxes of cereal to the bottles of detergent—is considered 'goods.' In a broader economic sense, 'goods' are the opposite of 'services.' While a service is an action someone does for you (like a haircut or a piano lesson), goods are the physical things you take home with you. This distinction is crucial in business, law, and everyday shopping. The term encompasses a vast range of items, including raw materials like coal or timber, manufactured items like electronics and clothing, and even perishable items like fruits and vegetables. People use this word when they are talking about shipping, inventory, retail, and the general movement of products from a manufacturer to a consumer. It carries a sense of physical presence and value, implying that these items are useful or desirable to someone.

Economic Category: In economics, goods are divided into several types, such as consumer goods, which are intended for final use by individuals, and capital goods, which are used to produce other products.

The local market offers a wide variety of fresh goods every Saturday morning, attracting shoppers from all over the city.

Historically, the term evolved from the Old English 'gōd,' which meant 'property' or 'wealth.' This reflects the ancient understanding that having 'goods' meant having things of value that could be traded or used to sustain life. In modern usage, the word is ubiquitous in logistics and transportation. You will see signs for 'Goods Vehicles' on highways, referring to trucks and lorries that carry products. In legal contexts, the 'Sale of Goods Act' governs how transactions are handled, ensuring that the items sold meet certain standards of quality and description. The word is also used in the phrase 'household goods,' which refers to the furniture and appliances found in a home. Interestingly, while the word is very common in formal and business settings, it is also used informally in phrases like 'the goods,' meaning the genuine article or the expected quality, as in 'He finally delivered the goods,' meaning he did what was expected of him.

Retail Context: Retailers often use the term 'dry goods' to refer to textile products or non-perishable food items that do not require refrigeration.

Customs officers are responsible for inspecting all imported goods to ensure they comply with national safety regulations.

Furthermore, the word 'goods' is often paired with adjectives to specify the nature of the products. 'Durable goods' are items like cars or refrigerators that last a long time, while 'non-durable goods' are items like food or paper products that are consumed quickly. In the digital age, we even have 'digital goods,' which are non-physical items like software, e-books, or music files that are sold online. Despite being non-physical, they are treated as 'goods' because they are products of value that are traded. This adaptability shows how the word continues to be relevant as our economy changes. Whether you are talking about a small shop owner ordering inventory or a global corporation managing a supply chain, 'goods' is the essential term for the physical substance of their business. It bridges the gap between the abstract concept of 'value' and the concrete reality of 'things.'

The warehouse was filled with consumer goods ready to be shipped out for the holiday shopping season.

Logistics Terminology: In shipping, 'freight' and 'cargo' are synonyms for goods, but 'goods' remains the most general and widely understood term for any movable property.

The charity organization collected essential goods like blankets and canned food to help the victims of the natural disaster.

Luxury goods often carry high price tags due to their brand reputation and the high quality of materials used in their production.

Using the word goods correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical nature as a 'plurale tantum'—a noun that only exists in the plural form. This means that even if you are referring to a collection of items that functions as a single shipment, you must use plural verbs and pronouns. For example, you should say 'The goods are ready' rather than 'The goods is ready.' This is one of the most common stumbling blocks for English learners. When you want to refer to a single item within the category of goods, you should use words like 'item,' 'product,' 'article,' or 'piece of merchandise.' For instance, instead of saying 'a goods,' you would say 'an item of goods' or simply 'a product.' This plural nature also affects how we use quantifiers. We use 'many goods' or 'few goods,' but more commonly, we use 'a large quantity of goods' or 'various goods' to describe the amount.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always pair 'goods' with plural verbs: 'These goods are expensive,' 'The stolen goods were recovered by the police.'

After the inspection, the inspector confirmed that the goods were in perfect condition for export.

In sentence construction, 'goods' often functions as the object of verbs related to commerce, such as 'buy,' 'sell,' 'produce,' 'ship,' 'deliver,' 'import,' and 'export.' It is also frequently modified by adjectives that categorize the items. 'Consumer goods' refers to products bought by the general public, while 'industrial goods' are used by businesses. 'Perishable goods' are items like milk or meat that spoil quickly, and 'stolen goods' refers to items taken illegally. When writing about the economy, you might use 'goods' in phrases like 'the exchange of goods and services,' which is a standard way to describe all economic activity. The word is versatile and fits into both simple sentences for beginners and complex, technical sentences for advanced users. For example, an A1 learner might say, 'I buy goods at the shop,' while a C2 learner might write, 'The liberalization of trade has facilitated the seamless flow of capital goods across international borders.'

Common Collocations: Commonly paired with: household, consumer, luxury, electrical, perishable, and counterfeit.

The company specializes in the transport of hazardous goods, requiring specialized equipment and training.

Another important aspect of using 'goods' is its role in compound nouns and specific terminology. 'Goods train' (UK) or 'freight train' (US) refers to a train that carries products rather than passengers. A 'goods lift' is an elevator designed for moving heavy items. In legal and formal contexts, you might encounter the phrase 'chattels and goods,' which is a redundant but traditional way of saying 'personal property.' When using 'goods' in the possessive form, which is rare, it would be 'goods' contents' or 'the contents of the goods.' However, it is much more common to use 'goods' as a modifier, as in 'goods delivery' or 'goods station.' Understanding these patterns helps in producing natural-sounding English. Whether you are describing a shopping trip or analyzing global trade patterns, the word 'goods' provides a solid foundation for discussing the physical world of objects and their movement through society.

The store was forced to lower prices on all seasonal goods to make room for the new inventory.

Prepositional Usage: We often use 'for' with goods: 'payment for goods,' 'demand for goods,' or 'a market for goods.'

The government has imposed a new tax on imported goods to protect local manufacturers.

The online retailer offers free shipping on all goods over a certain dollar amount.

The word goods is a staple of the English language, appearing in a wide variety of contexts ranging from the highly technical to the completely mundane. In your daily life, you are most likely to encounter it in retail environments. Supermarkets, department stores, and online marketplaces all deal in 'goods.' You might see signs for 'Electrical Goods' or 'Sporting Goods' in a mall, which help categorize the products for shoppers. On the internet, checkout pages often list your 'ordered goods' or provide a 'goods and services' tax (GST) breakdown. This everyday usage makes the word one of the first that learners encounter when studying English for practical purposes like shopping or traveling. It is a word that connects the consumer to the vast world of manufacturing and distribution.

Business and Finance News: News anchors often report on 'durable goods orders' as an indicator of the health of the manufacturing sector and the overall economy.

The latest economic report shows a significant increase in the export of manufactured goods to emerging markets.

In the world of logistics and transportation, 'goods' is the standard term for anything being moved from point A to point B. If you work in a warehouse, you will hear about 'incoming goods' and 'outgoing goods.' Shipping labels often have a section for the 'description of goods.' On the road, you might see 'Heavy Goods Vehicles' (HGVs), which is the formal British term for large trucks. At airports and seaports, customs officers ask travelers if they have any 'goods to declare,' referring to items that might be subject to import taxes. This professional usage is precise and technical, emphasizing the physical nature of the items and their status as tradeable property. For anyone working in international trade, logistics, or supply chain management, 'goods' is a word they will use dozens of times every day.

Legal and Formal Contexts: Contracts for the sale of products are often titled 'Sale of Goods Agreements,' defining the rights and responsibilities of the buyer and seller.

Under the new law, consumers have the right to return faulty goods within thirty days for a full refund.

Beyond business and law, 'goods' also appears in more idiomatic and cultural contexts. In movies and crime dramas, you might hear a detective say they have 'the goods' on a suspect, meaning they have evidence of a crime. In sports or competitions, if a player 'delivers the goods,' it means they performed well when it mattered most. These metaphorical uses show how the concept of 'physical value' has been extended to 'abstract value' or 'truth.' Even in religious or philosophical discussions, the term 'worldly goods' is used to describe material possessions as opposed to spiritual wealth. This breadth of usage—from the back of a cereal box to a high-court legal document to a gritty detective novel—makes 'goods' an incredibly rich and essential word to master for any student of English.

The detective was confident that the hidden safe contained the goods needed to convict the mob boss.

Public Service Announcements: Charities often run campaigns asking for 'donations of goods' such as clothing, toys, and non-perishable food items.

Please ensure that all donated goods are clean and in good working order before dropping them off.

The athlete really delivered the goods in the final minutes of the game, scoring the winning goal.

One of the most frequent errors when using the word goods is treating it as a singular noun. Because it ends in 's,' many learners correctly identify it as plural, but they sometimes try to create a singular form by removing the 's.' However, 'a good' is an adjective (meaning something positive) or a very specific economic term (like 'a public good'), but it is almost never used to mean 'a single product' in general conversation. If you want to talk about one item, you must use a different word entirely, such as 'item,' 'product,' or 'object.' For example, saying 'I bought a new goods today' is incorrect; you should say 'I bought a new product today' or 'I bought some new goods today.' This distinction is vital for maintaining grammatical accuracy and sounding natural to native speakers.

The Singular Trap: Mistake: 'The goods is on the way.' Correct: 'The goods are on the way.' Always use plural verbs.

The manager noticed that several goods were missing from the delivery truck this morning.

Another common mistake is confusing 'goods' with 'goodies.' While 'goods' refers to general merchandise or products, 'goodies' is an informal, often child-friendly word for treats, sweets, or small, pleasant gifts. Using 'goodies' in a business report would be inappropriately informal, while using 'goods' to describe the candy in a child's party bag might sound overly formal or technical. Similarly, learners sometimes confuse 'goods' with 'wares.' While they are synonyms, 'wares' is quite old-fashioned and is mostly used today in specific contexts like 'street wares' or 'software wares' (though 'software' is usually uncountable). Using 'wares' in a modern retail context can make your English sound dated. Understanding the 'register' or level of formality of 'goods'—which is neutral to formal—helps in choosing the right word for the right situation.

Confusing with Adjectives: Mistake: 'I have many good.' Correct: 'I have many goods' (if referring to products) or 'I have many good things.'

It is important to distinguish between goods and services when calculating a country's total economic output.

A third area of confusion involves the use of 'goods' versus 'merchandise.' While they are often interchangeable, 'merchandise' is a collective noun that is usually uncountable (e.g., 'The merchandise is on display'), whereas 'goods' is always plural (e.g., 'The goods are on display'). Mixing up the verb agreement for these two words is a very common error. Additionally, 'goods' is a much broader term than 'merchandise.' 'Merchandise' specifically refers to things for sale in a retail setting, while 'goods' can refer to anything from raw iron ore to a stolen bicycle to a donated blanket. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'the goods.' In slang, it means 'the evidence' or 'the talent,' but in a literal sense, it just means 'the specific products mentioned.' Context is key to ensuring you don't accidentally use a slang expression in a formal setting or vice versa.

The shipping company is not liable for any goods damaged during transit if they were not properly packed.

Countability Issues: You cannot count 'goods' with numbers directly. You don't say 'five goods.' You say 'five items' or 'five types of goods.'

The store stocks a variety of electrical goods, including televisions, computers, and kitchen appliances.

All goods sold during the clearance sale are final and cannot be returned or exchanged.

While goods is a very versatile and common word, English offers several synonyms and related terms that can provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives allows you to vary your vocabulary and speak more like a native. The most common synonym is 'products.' While 'goods' emphasizes the physical nature of the items, 'products' emphasizes the fact that they were made or manufactured. In a retail setting, 'merchandise' is a very common alternative. As mentioned before, 'merchandise' is usually uncountable and specifically refers to items intended for sale. If you are talking about raw materials or bulk items traded on a large scale, 'commodities' is the preferred term. This includes things like oil, gold, wheat, and coffee. Using 'commodities' instead of 'goods' in a financial context shows a higher level of English proficiency.

Goods vs. Products: 'Goods' is more general and always plural. 'Product' can be singular and often implies a manufacturing process.

The company produces a wide range of consumer goods, but their most famous product is the smartphone.

In more specific contexts, you might use 'wares,' 'stock,' or 'inventory.' 'Wares' is often used to describe the items a traveling salesperson or a street vendor might have. It has a slightly charming, old-fashioned feel. 'Stock' and 'inventory' are business terms. 'Stock' refers to the goods a shop has available for immediate sale, while 'inventory' is a more comprehensive term for all the goods, raw materials, and work-in-progress items a company owns. If you are talking about things someone owns, especially when moving house, you might use 'possessions' or 'belongings.' While these aren't synonyms for 'goods' in a commercial sense, they overlap when talking about 'household goods.' In legal settings, 'chattels' or 'effects' might be used to refer to personal property. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are in a shop, a warehouse, a courtroom, or just talking with friends.

Goods vs. Merchandise: 'Goods' (plural): 'The goods are ready.' 'Merchandise' (uncountable): 'The merchandise is ready.'

The street vendor displayed his wares on a small wooden table, hoping to catch the attention of passing tourists.

For learners at higher levels, it's also useful to know the antonyms or opposites. The most direct opposite of 'goods' in an economic sense is 'services.' As discussed, services are intangible actions. Another opposite could be 'bads' in a very niche economic context (referring to things that people pay to get rid of, like garbage), but this is rarely used in general English. In terms of physical state, 'intangibles' can be an opposite to the physical nature of 'goods.' Understanding these relationships helps to map out the 'semantic field' of the word—the network of related meanings that define how we understand it. By knowing that 'goods' sits between 'raw materials' and 'finished products,' and is distinct from 'services' and 'possessions,' you gain a much deeper and more functional command of the language.

The global economy relies on the efficient exchange of both goods and services across international borders.

Goods vs. Commodities: Commodities are basic goods used in commerce that are interchangeable with other goods of the same type.

The price of basic goods like bread and milk has risen significantly due to inflation.

The warehouse manager is responsible for keeping an accurate record of all goods entering and leaving the facility.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'goods' is one of the few words in English that is almost always used in the plural when referring to physical objects. If you use the singular 'good,' you are usually talking about an abstract concept of morality or a very specific economic term.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡʊdz/

US /ɡʊdz/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

hoods woods coulds shoulds woulds neighborhoods childhoods falsehoods

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'oo' like 'food' (long 'u'). It should be short like 'good'.
Forgetting the 's' at the end.
Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a voiced 'z'.
Confusing it with 'gods' (different vowel sound).
Confusing it with 'goods' as an adjective (which doesn't exist).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 2/5

Learners must remember to always use the plural form and plural verbs.

Expression orale 1/5

Easy to pronounce and widely understood.

Écoute 1/5

Clear sound, though can be confused with 'good' if the 's' is missed.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

good shop buy sell thing

Apprends ensuite

merchandise services economy consumer retail

Avancé

commodities tangibles chattels fungibility logistics

Grammaire à connaître

Plurale Tantum

Words like 'goods', 'scissors', and 'pants' are always plural.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The goods ARE (not IS) ready.

Adjective Placement

Use adjectives before 'goods': 'expensive goods', 'luxury goods'.

Quantifiers with Plural Nouns

Use 'many', 'few', or 'some' with goods.

Compound Noun Formation

Combining a noun or adjective with 'goods' to create a specific category (e.g., 'white goods').

Exemples par niveau

The shop sells many different goods.

La boutique vend de nombreux articles différents.

Uses 'goods' as a plural noun with 'many'.

I need to buy some goods for my house.

J'ai besoin d'acheter des articles pour ma maison.

Uses 'some' with 'goods' to show an indefinite amount.

Are these goods expensive?

Ces articles sont-ils chers ?

Uses the plural verb 'are' with 'goods'.

The goods are on the table.

Les articles sont sur la table.

Shows subject-verb agreement with 'are'.

She likes to look at the goods in the window.

Elle aime regarder les articles en vitrine.

Definite article 'the' used with 'goods'.

We sell high-quality goods here.

Nous vendons des articles de haute qualité ici.

Adjective 'high-quality' modifying 'goods'.

He put the goods in his car.

Il a mis les articles dans sa voiture.

Simple past tense 'put' with 'goods'.

Where can I find sporting goods?

Où puis-je trouver des articles de sport ?

Compound noun 'sporting goods'.

The truck is carrying heavy goods to the city.

Le camion transporte des marchandises lourdes vers la ville.

Adjective 'heavy' modifying 'goods'.

You must declare any goods at the airport.

Vous devez déclarer tous les articles à l'aéroport.

Modal verb 'must' followed by 'declare'.

The store has a wide range of electrical goods.

Le magasin propose une large gamme d'appareils électriques.

Compound noun 'electrical goods'.

They donated household goods to the charity.

Ils ont fait don d'articles ménagers à l'association caritative.

Compound noun 'household goods'.

The price of basic goods is rising every month.

Le prix des produits de base augmente chaque mois.

Note that 'price' is the singular subject, but 'goods' is plural.

The stolen goods were found in a warehouse.

Les objets volés ont été retrouvés dans un entrepôt.

Passive voice 'were found' with 'stolen goods'.

I prefer to buy locally produced goods.

Je préfère acheter des produits fabriqués localement.

Participle phrase 'locally produced' modifying 'goods'.

The company ships goods all over the world.

L'entreprise expédie des marchandises dans le monde entier.

Present simple 'ships' with 'goods'.

Perishable goods must be kept in the refrigerator.

Les denrées périssables doivent être conservées au réfrigérateur.

Adjective 'perishable' used in a technical sense.

The new law protects consumers when they buy faulty goods.

La nouvelle loi protège les consommateurs lorsqu'ils achètent des articles défectueux.

Adjective 'faulty' modifying 'goods'.

The warehouse manager checks the incoming goods every morning.

Le responsable de l'entrepôt vérifie les marchandises entrantes chaque matin.

Present participle 'incoming' as an adjective.

There is a high demand for luxury goods in this city.

Il y a une forte demande pour les produits de luxe dans cette ville.

Noun phrase 'demand for luxury goods'.

The delivery of the goods was delayed by the storm.

La livraison des marchandises a été retardée par la tempête.

Singular subject 'delivery' followed by 'of the goods'.

The company specializes in the transport of hazardous goods.

L'entreprise est spécialisée dans le transport de marchandises dangereuses.

Adjective 'hazardous' used in a professional context.

We need to clear out the old goods to make room for new stock.

Nous devons liquider les anciens articles pour faire de la place au nouveau stock.

Phrasal verb 'clear out' with 'goods'.

The economy is based on the exchange of goods and services.

L'économie est basée sur l'échange de biens et de services.

Standard economic phrase 'goods and services'.

Durable goods, such as cars and appliances, are expected to last for years.

Les biens durables, tels que les voitures et les appareils électroménagers, sont censés durer des années.

Technical economic term 'durable goods'.

The government has reduced taxes on essential goods to help families.

Le gouvernement a réduit les taxes sur les produits de première nécessité pour aider les familles.

Adjective 'essential' modifying 'goods'.

The manufacturer is liable for any damage caused by defective goods.

Le fabricant est responsable de tout dommage causé par des produits défectueux.

Legal term 'liable' used with 'defective goods'.

The export of manufactured goods has increased significantly this year.

L'exportation de produits manufacturés a considérablement augmenté cette année.

Compound noun 'manufactured goods'.

He really delivered the goods during the final presentation.

Il a vraiment assuré lors de la présentation finale.

Idiomatic use of 'delivered the goods'.

The market is flooded with cheap, counterfeit goods.

Le marché est inondé de produits de contrefaçon bon marché.

Adjective 'counterfeit' modifying 'goods'.

The liberalization of trade has led to a free flow of goods across borders.

La libéralisation du commerce a conduit à une libre circulation des marchandises à travers les frontières.

Formal phrase 'free flow of goods'.

We must ensure the safety of all consumer goods sold in the EU.

Nous devons garantir la sécurité de tous les biens de consommation vendus dans l'UE.

Compound noun 'consumer goods'.

The Sale of Goods Act provides a legal framework for commercial transactions.

La loi sur la vente de marchandises fournit un cadre juridique pour les transactions commerciales.

Proper noun referring to a specific piece of legislation.

Economists distinguish between public goods and private goods based on excludability.

Les économistes distinguent les biens publics des biens privés sur la base de l'excluabilité.

Technical economic distinction.

The company's inventory includes raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.

L'inventaire de l'entreprise comprend des matières premières, des travaux en cours et des produits finis.

Accounting term 'finished goods'.

The detective finally got the goods on the corrupt politician.

Le détective a enfin obtenu les preuves contre l'homme politique corrompu.

Slang/Idiomatic use meaning 'incriminating evidence'.

The sudden shortage of intermediate goods disrupted the entire supply chain.

La pénurie soudaine de biens intermédiaires a perturbé l'ensemble de la chaîne d'approvisionnement.

Technical term 'intermediate goods'.

Capital goods are essential for increasing the long-term productivity of the economy.

Les biens d'équipement sont essentiels pour accroître la productivité à long terme de l'économie.

Economic term 'capital goods'.

The treaty aims to eliminate non-tariff barriers to the trade of goods.

Le traité vise à éliminer les barrières non tarifaires au commerce des marchandises.

Formal diplomatic/economic language.

The rise of digital goods has challenged traditional notions of property and ownership.

L'essor des biens numériques a remis en question les notions traditionnelles de propriété.

Modern economic concept 'digital goods'.

The philosophical debate centers on whether moral virtues can be considered 'goods' in the same sense as material wealth.

Le débat philosophique porte sur la question de savoir si les vertus morales peuvent être considérées comme des « biens » au même titre que la richesse matérielle.

Abstract, philosophical use of 'goods'.

The intricate web of global trade ensures that even the most mundane goods have a complex provenance.

Le réseau complexe du commerce mondial garantit que même les marchandises les plus banales ont une provenance complexe.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'intricate' and 'provenance'.

The court ruled that the 'chattels and goods' mentioned in the will were to be distributed equally among the heirs.

Le tribunal a statué que les « biens et effets » mentionnés dans le testament devaient être répartis également entre les héritiers.

Archaic legal phrase 'chattels and goods'.

The commodification of essential goods has sparked widespread protests regarding social equity.

La marchandisation des biens de première nécessité a déclenché des protestations généralisées concernant l'équité sociale.

Advanced sociological term 'commodification'.

The sheer volume of consumer goods entering the port daily is a testament to the scale of modern logistics.

Le volume impressionnant de biens de consommation entrant quotidiennement dans le port témoigne de l'ampleur de la logistique moderne.

Complex sentence structure with 'testament to'.

In the absence of tangible goods, the economy shifted towards a service-oriented model.

En l'absence de biens tangibles, l'économie s'est tournée vers un modèle orienté vers les services.

Formal prepositional phrase 'In the absence of'.

The illicit trade in counterfeit goods poses a significant threat to the integrity of global brands.

Le commerce illicite de produits de contrefaçon constitue une menace importante pour l'intégrité des marques mondiales.

High-level vocabulary like 'illicit' and 'integrity'.

The transition from a manufacturing-based economy to one centered on digital goods requires a fundamental shift in regulatory policy.

La transition d'une économie basée sur la fabrication vers une économie centrée sur les biens numériques nécessite un changement fondamental de la politique réglementaire.

Complex comparative structure.

Synonymes

products items merchandise wares commodities supplies

Antonymes

services nothing

Collocations courantes

consumer goods

household goods

luxury goods

perishable goods

electrical goods

stolen goods

dry goods

capital goods

finished goods

dangerous goods

Phrases Courantes

goods and services

sale of goods

goods to declare

damaged goods

sporting goods

public goods

counterfeit goods

white goods

brown goods

intermediate goods

Souvent confondu avec

goods vs good

As an adjective, it means 'positive'. As a noun, 'goods' means 'products'. Don't say 'a good' for a product.

goods vs goodies

Informal word for treats or sweets. 'Goods' is for general products.

goods vs wares

An older word for goods, often used for street sellers. 'Goods' is more modern.

Expressions idiomatiques

"deliver the goods"

To do what is expected or promised, especially in a difficult situation.

The new striker really delivered the goods by scoring two goals.

informal

"get the goods on someone"

To find incriminating evidence or information about someone.

The detective finally got the goods on the criminal.

informal/slang

"the real goods"

Something that is genuine or of high quality; the real thing.

This isn't a fake; it's the real goods.

informal

"worldly goods"

All the material possessions that a person owns.

He gave away all his worldly goods and became a monk.

formal/literary

"damaged goods (metaphorical)"

A person who is considered less valuable or capable due to past experiences.

After the scandal, the politician was seen as damaged goods.

informal/critical

"have the goods"

To have the necessary skills, talent, or evidence to succeed.

Does the new candidate really have the goods to lead the company?

informal

"bill of goods"

Something that is misrepresented or worthless; usually used in 'sell someone a bill of goods'.

He sold me a bill of goods when he said this car was in perfect condition.

informal

"dry goods (historical)"

Textiles and non-liquid grocery items.

The pioneers bought their dry goods at the trading post.

historical

"goods and chattels"

A legal term for all of a person's personal property.

The contract covered all the goods and chattels in the house.

formal/legal

"as good as the goods"

A phrase implying that the quality matches the promise (rare).

The service was as good as the goods they sold.

neutral

Facile à confondre

goods vs merchandise

Both refer to things for sale.

'Merchandise' is usually uncountable and retail-focused. 'Goods' is always plural and much broader.

The merchandise is on the shelf. The goods are in the warehouse.

goods vs products

Both describe items made for sale.

'Product' can be singular and emphasizes the making process. 'Goods' is plural and emphasizes the physical item.

This is a great product. These are high-quality goods.

goods vs commodities

Both are used in trade.

'Commodities' are raw materials like oil or wheat. 'Goods' can be anything physical.

Gold is a commodity. Shoes are consumer goods.

goods vs cargo

Both refer to things being moved.

'Cargo' is specifically for things on a ship, plane, or truck. 'Goods' is the general term for the items themselves.

The ship's cargo consisted of various electronic goods.

goods vs stock

Both refer to items in a shop.

'Stock' refers to the availability of items for sale. 'Goods' refers to the items themselves.

We have many goods in stock.

Structures de phrases

I buy [adjective] goods.

I buy cheap goods.

The [noun] goods are [adjective].

The household goods are expensive.

The [verb-ing] of goods is [adjective].

The shipping of goods is slow.

There is a [noun] for [adjective] goods.

There is a demand for luxury goods.

The [noun] of [adjective] goods has [verb-ed].

The production of capital goods has increased.

Despite the [noun], the [adjective] goods were [verb-ed].

Despite the storm, the perishable goods were delivered.

These are my goods.

Where are the goods?

Famille de mots

Noms

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English, especially in business and retail.

Erreurs courantes

The goods is in the truck. → The goods are in the truck.
'Goods' is a plural-only noun and must always be paired with a plural verb like 'are' or 'were.'
I bought a new goods today. → I bought a new product today.
You cannot use 'a' with 'goods' because it is plural. Use 'item,' 'product,' or 'some goods' instead.
He has many good in his shop. → He has many goods in his shop.
The noun form must have the 's.' Without the 's,' 'good' is an adjective and doesn't make sense in this context.
The stolen good was found. → The stolen goods were found.
Even if you are referring to a single stolen item, the collective term 'stolen goods' is almost always used in the plural.
We provide many goods like haircuts. → We provide many services like haircuts.
Haircuts are actions, not physical objects. Therefore, they are 'services,' not 'goods.'

Astuces

Always Plural

Never use 'goods' with a singular verb. Always say 'The goods are...' or 'These goods were...' to be grammatically correct.

Use Specific Terms

While 'goods' is a great general word, try using 'merchandise' for retail, 'commodities' for raw materials, and 'cargo' for shipping to sound more professional.

Goods vs. Services

Remember the economic distinction. If you can drop it on your foot, it's probably a 'good.' If you can't, it's likely a 'service.'

Delivering the Goods

Use this idiom to praise someone who has performed well under pressure. It's a common and very positive expression in business and sports.

Household Goods

When moving house or shopping for your home, use the term 'household goods' to cover everything from towels to toasters.

Faulty Goods

If you buy something that is broken, use the phrase 'faulty goods' when talking to customer service. It is the standard term used in consumer law.

Inventory vs. Goods

In a business setting, 'inventory' is the list or the total value, while 'goods' are the actual physical items.

Customs Declaration

Always look for the 'Goods to Declare' sign at international airports if you are unsure about the items you are carrying. It's better to ask than to get a fine.

Variety in Writing

If you find yourself using 'goods' too many times in an essay, swap it for 'products,' 'items,' or 'merchandise' to keep your writing interesting.

Pronunciation

Make sure to pronounce the 's' at the end clearly. Without it, people might think you are using the adjective 'good,' which could change the meaning of your sentence.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'GOODS' as 'GOOD things' that you can 'S'ell. The 'S' at the end reminds you it's always plural.

Association visuelle

Imagine a big shipping container with the word 'GOODS' written on the side in large letters. Inside are boxes of toys and clothes.

Word Web

Shopping Store Money Truck Box Clothes Food Trade

Défi

Go to a local store and try to identify five different types of 'goods' you see on the shelves. Say their names out loud in English.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old English word 'gōd,' which originally meant 'property' or 'wealth.' This itself comes from Proto-Germanic '*gōdaz,' meaning 'fitting' or 'suitable.'

Sens originel : The original meaning referred to things that were beneficial or of value to own.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'damaged goods' to describe a person, as it can be very offensive and implies they are broken or worthless.

In the UK, 'goods train' is common, while in the US, 'freight train' is more popular. Both refer to the same thing.

The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (UK Law) Consumer Goods Forum (International Organization) The song 'The Goods' by various artists (Slang usage)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping

Where are the sporting goods?
I need to buy some household goods.
Are these goods on sale?
I'd like to return these faulty goods.

Business

We need to order more goods.
The goods are ready for shipment.
What is the total value of the goods?
The goods were damaged in transit.

Economics

The exchange of goods and services.
Demand for consumer goods is rising.
The country exports many goods.
Prices for basic goods are high.

Travel/Customs

Do you have any goods to declare?
These goods are for personal use.
I bought these goods at the duty-free shop.
Customs inspected the goods.

Charity

We are collecting donated goods.
Please bring your old goods here.
The charity provides essential goods.
Many goods were sent to the victims.

Amorces de conversation

"What kind of goods do you usually buy online versus in a physical store?"

"Do you think the price of basic goods is too high in your city right now?"

"If you were moving to a new country, which household goods would you take with you?"

"Have you ever had a problem with damaged goods being delivered to your house?"

"What are some famous goods that your country is known for exporting to the world?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you bought some goods that turned out to be much better or worse than you expected.

Describe the different types of goods you would need to start a small business in your neighborhood.

Discuss the importance of 'goods and services' in your daily life. Which do you spend more money on?

Imagine you are a warehouse manager. Write a report about the incoming and outgoing goods for the day.

Reflect on the difference between 'worldly goods' and things that make you happy but aren't physical objects.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, when referring to physical products or merchandise, 'goods' is always plural. You should always use plural verbs like 'are' or 'were' with it. For example, 'The goods are ready.' You cannot say 'a goods' or 'one goods.'

Goods are physical, tangible items that you can touch and keep, like a book or a car. Services are intangible actions that someone does for you, like a haircut, a car repair, or a doctor's visit. In economics, these two categories make up most of the market.

No, you should not use 'a good' to mean one product in general conversation. Instead, use words like 'item,' 'product,' 'article,' or 'piece of merchandise.' For example, say 'I bought an item' or 'I bought a product' instead of 'I bought a good.'

'White goods' is a term used to describe large household appliances that were traditionally finished in white enamel. This includes things like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and stoves. Even if they are now silver or black, they are still often called white goods.

This is an idiom that means to do what is expected or promised, especially when there is pressure to succeed. For example, if a salesperson meets a very difficult target, you could say they 'delivered the goods.' It can also refer to a sports player performing well in a big game.

While they have similar meanings, 'merchandise' is usually an uncountable noun (e.g., 'The merchandise is...') and is specifically used for items for sale in a store. 'Goods' is always plural (e.g., 'The goods are...') and is a much broader term that can include raw materials, personal property, or stolen items.

Perishable goods are items that have a short shelf life and will spoil, decay, or become unsafe to consume if they are not kept in specific conditions (like refrigeration) or used quickly. Common examples include fresh meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.

When you travel to another country, 'goods to declare' refers to items you are bringing with you that might be subject to import taxes or restrictions. This often includes things like expensive electronics, large amounts of alcohol or tobacco, or items intended for resale.

It is two separate words. It is a compound noun where 'sporting' acts as an adjective to describe the type of 'goods.' You will often see this on signs for stores that sell equipment for football, tennis, gym, and other sports.

Yes, in modern English, we use the term 'digital goods' to refer to non-physical products like software, e-books, music files, and movies that are bought and sold online. Even though you can't touch them, they are still considered 'goods' in a commercial sense.