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How to Use the Word Nutritious in a Sentence

4 min read

According to research from Merriam-Webster, the word 'nutritious' is frequently used in connection with food, but its application can extend beyond that context. Crafting a good sentence with this word is straightforward when you understand its meaning and common associations. This guide will provide clear examples and practical advice to help use 'nutritious' effectively and with confidence in writing and speech.

Quick Summary

This guide provides numerous examples and practical advice for correctly using the word nutritious in a sentence. It covers various contexts, grammatical applications, and contrasts with similar words to ensure effective and precise communication.

Key Points

  • Clear Meaning: The word 'nutritious' primarily refers to food or other things that provide beneficial substances to the body.

  • Versatile Use: It can be applied in simple, complex, and comparative sentences to describe a wide array of foods and diets.

  • Contextual Expansion: The meaning can be used metaphorically to describe experiences or information that are beneficial for the mind or soul.

  • Common Collocations: The word frequently pairs with terms like 'meal', 'diet', 'food', and 'snack' for natural-sounding usage.

  • Distinction from Synonyms: While similar to 'healthy' or 'nourishing', 'nutritious' specifically highlights the rich content of beneficial nutrients.

In This Article

Mastering the Word 'Nutritious'

The word "nutritious" is an adjective that describes something containing substances that are good for the body. The most common use is in relation to food, but its meaning can be extended to other, more abstract concepts, like soil or even intellectual nourishment. To master its use, consider the context and the subject you are describing. A high-fiber, balanced meal is a classic example of something nutritious, as is soil rich in minerals that help plants grow.

Examples of 'Nutritious' in a Sentence

Here are some examples of how to correctly and effectively use "nutritious" in a sentence:

  • Simple Sentence: Eating a nutritious breakfast helps you stay energized throughout the morning.
  • Complex Sentence: The chef is renowned for preparing meals that are both delicious and nutritious, perfectly balancing flavor with health.
  • Comparative Sentence: Frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh ones, as they are often picked and frozen at their peak of freshness.
  • Descriptive Sentence: The highly nutritious soil of the valley yields a bountiful harvest every year.
  • Sentence with a list: A nutritious diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Expanding Your Vocabulary: Using Synonyms and Context

To avoid repetition, you can use synonyms like "healthful," "wholesome," or "nourishing." However, each carries a slightly different connotation. "Wholesome" often suggests simplicity and a natural state, while "nourishing" implies the act of providing sustenance. Choosing the right word depends on the specific message you want to convey.

  • Healthful: A healthful lifestyle is about more than just food.
  • Wholesome: The farm-to-table restaurant prides itself on serving simple, wholesome dishes.
  • Nourishing: A bowl of warm soup is a truly nourishing and comforting meal on a cold day.

Common Collocations for 'Nutritious'

"Nutritious" often appears with other words that complete its meaning. Understanding these collocations can make writing sound more natural and professional. Some common ones include:

  • Nutritious meal: A proper lunch should be a nutritious meal, not just a quick snack.
  • Nutritious diet: A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for good health.
  • Nutritious food: Some fast-food chains are now offering more nutritious food options.
  • Highly nutritious: Avocados are a highly nutritious fruit, packed with healthy fats.
  • Nutritious snack: Greek yogurt and berries make a quick and nutritious snack.

Comparison Table: Nutritious vs. Other Related Words

To help differentiate "nutritious" from similar words, the table below outlines their key distinctions in a food context:

Term Primary Meaning Best Use Case Connotation Example Sentence
Nutritious High in essential nutrients for the body. Describing food that provides health benefits. Scientific, health-focused Quinoa is a very nutritious grain alternative.
Healthy Good for one's overall health; beneficial. Broader, applies to food, habits, and people. General, wellness-oriented A healthy salad is a great choice for lunch.
Wholesome Simple, natural, and morally sound. Describing natural, unprocessed food or character. Pure, rustic The restaurant serves wholesome, home-style cooking.
Nourishing Providing sustenance and promoting growth. Describing the effect of food on the body. Restorative, comforting She drank a nourishing broth to recover from her cold.
Sustaining Providing enough food to maintain strength. Describing food that keeps you full for a long time. Practical, enduring The stew was incredibly sustaining on the long journey.

Using 'Nutritious' in a Variety of Contexts

Beyond food, the word "nutritious" can be used metaphorically. It's a way of saying something provides deep, meaningful sustenance—not for the body, but for the mind, soul, or spirit. For example, reading a classic novel could be considered a nutritious experience for the mind.

A Metaphorical 'Nutritious' Sentence

  • For the mind: Reading classic literature can be a nutritious experience for the mind, feeding it with complex ideas and new perspectives.
  • For the soul: Engaging in creative hobbies can be a nutritious way to feed your soul and find happiness.
  • For relationships: Having deep, meaningful conversations with friends is a nutritious way to strengthen your relationships.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "What is a good sentence for the word nutritious?", the options are plentiful and dependent on context. From describing a meal to nurturing a relationship, the word is a powerful adjective that denotes positive, healthy sustenance. A simple, effective sentence could be, "This ancient grain is a very nutritious addition to any diet." By understanding its core meaning and exploring its various applications, you can integrate this versatile word into your vocabulary with precision and impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

A simple and basic sentence would be, "A balanced meal is nutritious."

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe anything that provides beneficial substance or enrichment, such as a nutritious discussion or a nutritious compost for the garden.

'Nutritious' specifically means that something contains nutrients, while 'healthy' is a broader term that can describe food, a person, or a lifestyle. All nutritious foods are healthy, but not everything healthy is necessarily defined by its nutrient content alone.

Synonyms like 'wholesome,' 'nourishing,' or 'beneficial' can be used. For food, you can also be more specific by mentioning the exact nutrients, such as 'rich in vitamins' or 'high in fiber.'

A good example is, "The rich, fertile soil provides a nutritious foundation for the crops to grow."

Yes, absolutely. For example, "Kale is often considered more nutritious than iceberg lettuce," which is a perfectly correct and common comparison.

No, you would not typically use 'nutritious' to describe a person. 'Healthy' is the correct term for describing a person's physical state.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.