a material form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a material form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the physical manifestation or tangible aspect of an object or concept. Example: "In art, a material form can significantly influence the viewer's perception and interpretation of the work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is the moment when absence begins to assume a material form, when what is not there becomes visible.

The New York Times - Travel

This is the kind of impressionistic study quickly molded in clay or bozzetto that gave a material form to the first vision that flashed through the sculptor's mind.

The New York Times - Arts

We soon understand that the violent, absurd act at the beginning of the story is a parallel to the war, and in the magical-realism realm the villagers' pain takes a material form in the concept of grief milk.

The New Yorker

And it is the second sense of 'immaterial' that gives us a key for understanding what Thomas means by a "material form," particularly a material substantial form.

SEP

A material form is a form that is not an immaterial subsistent; it exists either as an accident in a corporeal subject or as a substantial form in a corporeal subject, and does not subsist.

SEP

The consumer society, our very visual culture and social media demand us to make our identities and personas tangible -- to give them a material form.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Often punishments take a different material form from civil damages, as when an offender is imprisoned or put on probation.

SEP

The wage is calculated on the ability of a wage to enable an adequate material form of life.

The Guardian

The basis of the theory is a limiting stress state analysis of a bulk material forming a cylindrical pipe (rathole) around or an arch across the hopper outlet.

Powder Technology

HydroSet is a synthetic material formed by a sterile white powder (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, tetracalcium phosphate and trisodium citrate) which has to be mixed with liquid (sodium phosphate, polyvinylpyrrolidone and water) to form a malleable paste.

Brain Structure and Function

Gordon does her Good Friday work, moving from relating to her mother in material form — a form that ultimately repulsed Gordon — to a new noncorporeal relationship where all phases of her mother's life can be seen at once.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a material form", ensure the context clearly indicates what abstract concept is being given physical representation. For example, "Grief took a material form in the villagers' grief milk" clarifies that grief, the abstract concept, is being represented by the physical manifestation of grief milk.

Common error

Avoid using "a material form" when describing purely abstract or conceptual ideas that lack any tangible representation. The phrase is most effective when it bridges the gap between an intangible concept and its concrete manifestation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a material form" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the tangible or physical manifestation of an abstract concept, idea, or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a material form" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon noun phrase used to describe the physical manifestation of an abstract idea or concept. As Ludwig AI indicated, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly News & Media and Science. Its purpose is to emphasize the tangible existence of something. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when you want to highlight the concrete realization of something previously intangible. Alternatives include "a tangible manifestation" or "a physical embodiment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. However, avoid overusing it in purely abstract contexts where there is no clear physical representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tangible manifestation

Emphasizes the physical, touchable aspect of the form, suggesting it can be perceived through senses.

a physical embodiment

Highlights the concrete realization of an idea or concept in a physical form.

a materialized concept

Highlights that an abstract idea has taken on a physical, real form.

a concrete expression

Focuses on the explicit and definite representation of something in a physical manner.

a realized design

Focuses on the completion of a plan or design in a physical, constructed format.

a visible representation

Underscores the aspect of being able to be seen, making something previously unseen now apparent.

a corporeal shape

Stresses the bodily or physical shape taken by something, often used in philosophical or artistic contexts.

a substantial appearance

Highlights the solid, real, and considerable presence of something.

a palpable presence

Emphasizes that something can be felt or perceived strongly, indicating a clear physical or influential existence.

a solidified version

Suggests the process of something becoming solid or firm, giving it a stable, physical presence.

FAQs

How can "a material form" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a material form" when you want to express that an abstract idea or concept has been given a physical or tangible representation. For example, "The artist gave his emotions "a material form" through sculpture".

What's the difference between "a material form" and "a physical form"?

"A material form" often implies that something abstract has taken on a physical presence. "A physical form" is more general and simply refers to the tangible shape or structure of something, without necessarily implying a transformation from an abstract concept.

What are some alternatives to "a material form"?

Alternatives include "a tangible manifestation", "a physical embodiment", or "a concrete expression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a material form" in scientific writing?

Yes, "a material form" can be appropriate in scientific writing when describing how abstract concepts, such as energy or information, are manifested or represented in physical systems or experiments. For instance, "Knowledge always takes "a material form", it can never exist by itself."