a material way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a material way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or substantial manner in which something is done or achieved. Example: "The changes in policy will affect the community in a material way, improving access to essential services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Readers were not misled in a material way.

The Guardian - Opinion

None of this helped Elsa in a material way.

The New York Times - Books

Surfers said that competition symbolized excessive consumption and a material way of life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We look forward to contributing in a material way to the revitalization of downtown Manhattan.

The New York Times

Gifts of money do not help the university in any but a material way.

The New Yorker

It also said labeling was not required because genetic engineering did not change food in a "material" way.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

2. My mother knew your father was grade-A husband material way before I did.

Huffington Post

"We're dying down here," shrieked Carville, who is definitely not dying in any material way as a result of the oil spill.

Huffington Post

But many painters were also engaged with dress in a quite material way.

The New Yorker

It was the lure of a better material way of life that helped lure countries in the former Soviet bloc to become free-market democracies so they could join with Europe.

The New York Times

Is net neutrality in fact the "free speech issue of our time?" In a very material way yes, because it is now the key platform for all speech that might be controversial.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a material way" to emphasize a tangible or significant impact, especially when contrasting it with intangible or less important aspects. For instance, "Contributing in "a material way" to the community's growth" underscores a practical, noticeable contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "a material way" when discussing purely abstract or emotional concepts. While technically correct, it's more fitting for situations involving concrete changes or tangible effects. Choose alternatives like "significantly" or "substantially" for abstract contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a material way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and describing how something is affected or achieved. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a tangible or significant impact. Examples show it describing contributions, changes, and influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a material way" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the tangible and significant impact of an action or influence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is appropriate for diverse contexts, but most frequently found in news, scientific, or wiki articles. It conveys a sense of real-world consequence, contrasting with more abstract or theoretical effects. When writing, it's best to utilize "a material way" when discussing practical changes or concrete results, and consider alternatives like "significantly" or "substantially" in more abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant manner

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the way something is done.

a substantial fashion

Highlights the considerable nature or extent of the method.

a tangible approach

Focuses on the practical and concrete nature of the method.

a concrete method

Stresses the specific and definite aspect of the method.

a practical means

Emphasizes the usefulness and effectiveness of the approach.

a considerable degree

Highlights the extent and impact of the way something affects something.

an impactful style

Focuses on the influential and effective style or method.

a meaningful technique

Highlights the importance and purpose of the technique used.

a real sense

Emphasizes the authenticity and genuineness of the manner.

a substantive manner

Highlights the significance and weight of the style.

FAQs

How can I use "a material way" in a sentence?

Use "a material way" to describe something that has a substantial or significant impact. For example, "The donation helped the organization in "a material way", allowing them to expand their services".

What are some alternatives to "a material way"?

You can use alternatives like "significantly", "substantially", or "tangibly", depending on the context. Each emphasizes a different aspect of the impact or method.

Is it correct to say "in an immaterial way"?

Yes, "in an immaterial way" is grammatically correct, and it serves as the opposite of "in "a material way"". It suggests something is done without significant physical or tangible impact.

What's the difference between "a material way" and "a significant way"?

While both indicate importance, "a material way" often implies a tangible or practical impact, whereas "a significant way" can refer to any substantial change, whether tangible or intangible.