a class of substances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a class of substances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific group or category of chemical or biological materials that share common characteristics. Example: "In chemistry, a class of substances known as alkaloids is often studied for their medicinal properties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Lodestone, or magnetite (Fe3O4), belongs to a class of substances known as ferrites.

Britannica

Materials that strongly absorb visible radiation belong to a class of substances known as semiconductors.

Britannica

Other specialties may be centred not on a class of substances but rather on their interactions and transformations.

Britannica

That is the crux of a debate over adjuvants — a class of substances that somewhat mysteriously increase the potency of vaccines.

The New York Times

Together they identified a class of substances (later called carbohydrates) including sugar and starch that contained hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 2 1.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Organometallic compound, any member of a class of substances containing at least one metal-to-carbon bond in which the carbon is part of an organic group.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Halogenated alkenes are a class of anthropogenic substances, which replace ozone-depleting substances and long-lived greenhouse gases in the foam-blowing, refrigeration, and solvent sectors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Boride, any of a class of hard substances in which boron is chemically combined with various metals (see boron).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wax, any of a class of pliable substances of animal, plant, mineral, or synthetic origin that differ from fats in being less greasy, harder, and more brittle and in containing principally compounds of high molecular weight (e.g., fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons).

Britannica

Polyether, any of a class of organic substances prepared by joining together or polymerizing many molecules of simpler compounds (monomers) by establishing ether links between them; polyethers, which may be either chainlike or networklike in molecular structure, comprise an unusually diverse group of polymers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So a team from SRI International in Menlo Park, California, set out to find a real mover among a class of superstretchy substances called dielectric elastomers.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a class of substances", ensure that the substances you are referring to share common properties or characteristics relevant to the context. This enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a class of substances" when a more specific term like "compounds", "elements", or "materials" would provide greater clarity and precision. Overgeneralization can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a class of substances" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a specific category or grouping of materials with shared characteristics. As evidenced by Ludwig, it correctly phrases this kind of categories.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a class of substances" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to categorize materials with shared characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in scientific and encyclopedic contexts, this phrase offers a formal and precise way to classify various compounds and materials. When writing, ensure that the substances being referred to genuinely share relevant properties to maintain clarity. Although common, overgeneralization should be avoided by opting for more specific terms when applicable. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a class of substances" to enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a category of materials

Replaces "substances" with the more general term "materials".

a group of compounds

Substitutes "class" with "group" and "substances" with "compounds", implying chemical composition.

a type of matter

Uses "type" instead of "class" and "matter" instead of "substances", focusing on physical existence.

a family of chemicals

Employs "family" to denote relatedness and specifies "chemicals".

a set of elements

Replaces with "set" for collection and specifies "elements", implying fundamental components.

a collection of items

Uses broader terms "collection" and "items" for generality.

a division of compounds

Uses "division" instead of "class" to imply separation and categorizes into "compounds".

a classification of materials

Focuses on the act of classifying "materials".

a series of chemicals

Uses "series" to imply an ordered arrangement and focuses on "chemicals".

a spectrum of agents

Employs "spectrum" to suggest a range and refers to "agents", implying active properties.

FAQs

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

You can use "a class of substances" to refer to a group of materials sharing common characteristics. For instance, "Alkaloids are "a class of substances" often studied for their medicinal properties".

What are some alternatives to saying "a class of substances"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a category of materials", "a group of compounds", or "a type of matter".

Is it correct to say "a class of substance" instead of "a class of substances"?

No, the correct plural form is "a class of substances". "Substance" in the singular form would typically refer to a single, specific material.

What's the difference between "a class of substances" and "a type of substance"?

"A class of substances" refers to a broader grouping with shared traits, whereas "a type of substance" pinpoints a specific kind within a larger set. For instance, "alkaloids" are "a class of substances", while "morphine" is "a type of substance" within that class.