a group of substances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a group of substances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple materials or chemicals that are categorized together for a specific purpose or study. Example: "In the laboratory, we analyzed a group of substances to determine their chemical properties and interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Butadiene (Figure 3) is used to produce plastics and elastomers, a group of substances related to plastics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Astringent, any of a group of substances that cause the contraction or shrinkage of tissues and that dry up secretions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It examined levels of epicatechin, the antioxidant compound, one of a group of substances found in food known as flavonoids that have been linked to better cardiac health.

The New York Times - Health

The cloud, officials said, was one of a group of substances called mercaptans, foul-smelling but largelyharmless chemicals — at low doses, at any rate.

The New York Times

Tear gas, also called Lacrimator, any of a group of substances that irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, causing a stinging sensation and tears.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are three varieties, each caused by a defect in a different enzyme involved in the breakdown of mucopolysaccharides, a group of substances important in the structure and maintenance of connective tissues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Cytokinins are a group of chemical substances that have a decisive influence on the stimulation of cell division.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was able to isolate from the essential oils a group of fragrant substances that he named terpenes, and he showed that most of these compounds belonged to the class now called isoprenoids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Flavonoids comprise a group of polyphenolic substances that are present in most plants.

Botanical Studies

Vitamin D is the common term for a group of related substances, particularly cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and ergocalciferol (vitamin D2).

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

In the last decade four international agreements have focused on a group of chemical substances known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a group of substances", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific relationship or characteristic that unites these substances. For example, specify if they are grouped by chemical property, origin, or function.

Common error

Avoid using "a group of substances" without further clarification. Providing additional details helps prevent ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the precise nature of the substances being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a group of substances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to multiple materials categorized together. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a group of substances" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used to refer to multiple materials or chemicals with shared characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently used in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts to classify and discuss various materials. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify the uniting characteristic of the substances being grouped. While versatile, providing specific context will help prevent ambiguity in usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of materials

Emphasizes the gathering or bringing together of different materials.

a class of compounds

Specifies that the substances are chemically related, belonging to a particular category.

a family of chemicals

Suggests a closer, more related grouping of chemical entities.

a set of components

Highlights the role of each substance as part of a larger system or mixture.

a range of elements

Implies a spectrum or variety within the substances being considered.

a series of ingredients

Focuses on the substances as parts of a recipe or formulation.

a selection of items

Suggests a deliberate choice or assortment of different substances.

a suite of products

Implies a coordinated or related group of substances used for a specific purpose.

an array of constituents

Highlights the variety and arrangement of the substances present.

a cluster of elements

Suggests a grouping of basic chemical entities that are closely related.

FAQs

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

Use "a group of substances" to refer to multiple materials or chemicals categorized together for a specific purpose, such as in a scientific analysis or a chemical reaction. For example, "The researchers analyzed "a group of substances" to determine their reactivity."

What are some alternatives to "a group of substances"?

Alternatives include "a collection of materials", "a class of compounds", or "a set of components", depending on the specific context and the relationship between the substances.

Is it more appropriate to say "a group of substances" or "a set of substances"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""a group of substances"" often implies a more informal or general categorization, while "a set of substances" may suggest a more defined or structured collection.

How does "a group of substances" differ from "a mixture of substances"?

"A group of substances" refers to a general categorization, while "a mixture of substances" implies that the substances are physically combined but not necessarily chemically bonded.