a class of compounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a class of compounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific or technical contexts to refer to a specific group of chemical compounds that share similar properties or structures. Example: "In this study, we will focus on a class of compounds known for their antibacterial properties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1996, Norvir became the second marketed protease inhibitor, a class of compounds crucial to most AIDS drug regimens.

The New York Times

Both Avandia and Actos, the Takeda drug, are members of a class of compounds with a troubled history.

The New York Times

His focus was on a class of compounds, luciferin, that are bioluminescent.

The New York Times - Science

It was the first of a class of compounds called metal carbonyls to be discovered (1890).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In general, within a class of compounds, smaller molecules are more volatile than larger ones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Flavanols are a class of compounds that plants produce for self-defense.

The New York Times - Science

It is a vanilloid, a class of compounds that include vanillin, found in vanilla; eugenol, found in cloves and cinnamon; and zingerone, found in ginger.

The New York Times - Science

Vitamins, a class of compounds with a variety of chemical structures, are needed by animals in small amounts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Polystyrene foam was formerly made with the aid of chlorofluorocarbon blowing agents—a class of compounds that has been banned for environmental reasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are members of a class of compounds called carbohydrates, substances with formulas that are multiples of the simple formula CH2O.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Steroids, a class of compounds of great importance in both plants and animals, are not isoprenoids but are derived directly from them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a class of compounds", ensure you clearly define the shared characteristics or properties that unite the compounds within that class. This provides clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a class of compounds" without specifying the relevant criteria. For instance, instead of saying "this affects a class of compounds", be specific: "this affects a class of compounds containing aromatic rings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a class of compounds" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a group of chemical substances that share common properties or characteristics, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a class of compounds" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific and technical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage to categorize chemical substances with shared properties. While it is primarily used in formal settings, ensuring clarity by specifying the defining characteristics of the class is crucial. Alternatives such as "a group of substances" or "a family of chemicals" can be used depending on the context, but the phrase remains a standard and versatile way to classify chemical entities. The most authoritative sources that provide usage examples of the expression are Encyclopedia Britannica, The New York Times and Science Magazine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of substances

Replaces "class" with "group" and "compounds" with the broader term "substances", maintaining a general reference to chemical entities.

a family of chemical substances

Substitutes "class" with "family" and uses "chemical substances" instead of "compounds", implying a shared origin or characteristics.

a set of chemical entities

Replaces "class" with "set" and "compounds" with "chemical entities", providing a more formal and precise alternative.

a category of molecules

Uses "category" instead of "class" and "molecules" instead of "compounds", focusing on the molecular aspect.

a series of related chemicals

Emphasizes the relationship between the chemicals, using "series" instead of "class".

a collection of chemical species

Replaces "class" with "collection" and "compounds" with "chemical species", denoting a varied assembly of chemicals.

a division of molecular structures

Focuses on the structural aspect, using "division" instead of "class" and "molecular structures" for "compounds".

a classification of chemical agents

Uses "classification" instead of "class" and "chemical agents" instead of "compounds", broadening the scope to include reactive substances.

a spectrum of organic molecules

Highlights the range of molecules, using "spectrum" instead of "class" and specifies "organic molecules".

a cluster of interconnected elements

Moves beyond strict chemical terminology to emphasize the interconnectedness of elements within the group.

FAQs

How can I use "a class of compounds" in a sentence?

You can use "a class of compounds" to refer to a group of substances sharing similar characteristics. For example, "Flavonoids are "a class of compounds" known for their antioxidant properties".

What is an example of "a class of compounds"?

An example of "a class of compounds" is steroids, which includes substances like cholesterol and testosterone, all derived from isoprenoids.

What can I say instead of "a class of compounds"?

Alternatives include "a group of substances", "a family of chemicals", or "a category of molecules" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

How does "a class of compounds" differ from "a specific compound"?

"A class of compounds" refers to a group sharing similar structural or functional features, while "a specific compound" refers to an individual substance with a unique molecular structure and properties.