a foreign object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a foreign object" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to an item or entity that is not native or expected in a particular environment or situation. Example: "During the inspection, we discovered a foreign object lodged in the machinery, which caused the malfunction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be as simple as a glitch, an interruption, a dropped beat, a foreign object that suddenly intrudes.

The New York Times

For me, it's like a foreign object.

The New York Times

Tick!" whenever they see a foreign object on someone's skin.

The New York Times

"My racket felt like a foreign object," Sampras said.

The New York Times - Sports

"His manager's going to hit me with a foreign object," Mr. Santana said.

The New York Times

Henderson doesn't always say exactly what he means, sometimes treating vocabulary as a foreign object.

The New York Times - Sports

A foreign object in the ear canal usually feels strange or uncomfortable.

Harvard University

I had my reasons — I didn't want a foreign object in my body or an overnight stay in the hospital.

The New York Times

A jury disagreed and convicted him of assault with intent to commit rape of an intoxicated woman, sexually penetrating an intoxicated person with a foreign object and sexually penetrating an unconscious person with a foreign object.

The Guardian

Turner was convicted of assault with intent to commit rape of an intoxicated woman, sexually penetrating an intoxicated person with a foreign object and sexually penetrating an unconscious person with a foreign object.

The Guardian

Brock Turner was convicted in California of three felony counts: assault with intent to commit rape of an intoxicated woman, sexually penetrating an intoxicated person with a foreign object, and sexually penetrating an unconscious person with a foreign object.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions or legal situations, use "a foreign object" to clearly and precisely denote an item that shouldn't be present.

Common error

Avoid using "a foreign object" too broadly. Ensure the context clearly indicates why the object is considered foreign or out of place, rather than simply unknown.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foreign object" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something as being alien or extraneous within a specific context. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to something not native or expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a foreign object" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes something alien or extraneous to a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's commonly found in news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, be sure the context is well defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "alien substance" or "extraneous item" for nuanced meanings. While the phrase is widely applicable, it's essential to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality in the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a non-native element

Directly indicates that the object does not originate from the given environment.

an alien substance

Emphasizes the unfamiliar and non-native nature of the object.

an extraneous item

Highlights the object's irrelevance or lack of necessity to the situation.

an alien intrusion

Combines the ideas of foreignness and invasion.

an intrusive element

Focuses on the disruptive nature of the object's presence.

an external body

Implies the object comes from outside the system being considered.

an unnatural entity

Suggests the object is not part of the natural order of the situation.

an unwelcome addition

Highlights the negative impact of the object's presence.

an incongruous component

Emphasizes the object's lack of harmony with the other elements.

a contaminant

Specifically refers to the object as causing pollution or impurity.

FAQs

How to use "a foreign object" in a sentence?

You can use "a foreign object" to describe something that doesn't naturally belong in a particular place. For instance: "The doctor found "a foreign object" in the patient's eye."

What can I say instead of "a foreign object"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an alien substance", "an extraneous item", or "a non-native element".

When is it appropriate to use the term "a foreign object"?

It's appropriate when describing the presence of something that is not normally found or expected in a specific location or system, especially in medical, legal, or technical contexts.

Is there a difference between "a foreign object" and "an intrusive element"?

While both phrases refer to something that doesn't belong, ""a foreign object"" typically refers to a physical item, while "an intrusive element" can also refer to abstract concepts or influences.