a plastic suit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plastic suit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a suit made of plastic material, often in contexts related to fashion, protection, or specific activities like diving or hazardous work. Example: "The workers were required to wear a plastic suit to protect themselves from the chemicals in the lab."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He carried a box, opened it and proceeded to don what looked like a plastic suit of armor.

The New York Times

As well as the gloves, Paul is put in a plastic suit and inflated, mainly for the purpose of comedy, I think.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

My husband got a picture of Cindy (not her real name) and her companion, who wore a plastic suit.

Huffington Post

After he was arrested without incident he was led out of the building in a plastic suit in order to preserve evidence, police said.

Vice

Consider, for example, an occupationally exposed person who performs work in a radiation field while wearing a plastic suit to prevent personal radioactive contamination.

Dose-Response

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He tracks down another of them, the men from before, at Murphy's funeral, then turns up at this chap's place with a gun, wearing a white plastic suit and blue latex gloves.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Among them were a spaceman in a pink plastic suit, disintegrating before his rebirth; serene dancers using martial arts to jab dangerously at their partners; an exuberant tribe of female gymnasts in various rope tricks; and a study in relationships built around a deconstructed embrace.

The New York Times - Arts

In those days the airlines were very, very nervous, so I was his medical escort and the airline insisted that I dressed in a yellow plastic suit and wore a mask.

Vice

But the past 2 weeks, Fauci, 74, has reserved 2 hours on most days to put on a protective plastic suit and help treat a U.S. health care worker who became infected with Ebola in Sierra Leone.

Science Magazine

"I don't know what makes him tick to the extent he ticks," says Christiane Amanpour, the CNN foreign correspondent, who climbs into a white plastic suit to follow Mr. Nachtwey into a burial site in Kosovo.

The New York Times

Just inside, the night watchman sat in a white plastic chair, wearing white boots and a blue plastic suit.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing protective gear, be specific about the type of plastic used (e.g., polyethylene, PVC) to provide more accurate information about its properties and suitability for different applications.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "plastic suits" offer the same level of protection. Different types of plastic offer varying degrees of resistance to chemicals, heat, and physical hazards. Always specify the plastic type when detail is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plastic suit" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a specific type of clothing made from plastic. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing protective gear, costumes, or specialized clothing. It is a descriptive term rather than an action or state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plastic suit" is a grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a garment made of plastic. According to Ludwig, this phrase is uncommon but correct, mainly used in news and science-related contexts. It often implies protective clothing, as noted in the Ludwig examples. When using this phrase, be specific about the type of plastic if relevant and avoid assuming all "plastic suits" offer the same protection level. Alternative phrases include "a vinyl suit" or "a protective suit".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vinyl suit

Replaces the material "plastic" with "vinyl", indicating a similar synthetic material.

a synthetic suit

Uses a broader term "synthetic" to describe a suit made of artificial material.

a protective suit

Focuses on the function of the suit, emphasizing its protective qualities rather than the material.

a hazmat suit

Specifies a type of suit used for hazardous materials, implying it is made of a protective material like plastic.

a boiler suit

Indicates a one-piece protective garment, often made of durable material.

a coverall suit

Similar to a boiler suit, providing full-body coverage.

a rain suit

Describes a suit designed to protect against rain, often made of plastic or similar waterproof material.

a splash suit

Indicates a suit designed to protect from splashes, implying water-resistant or waterproof material.

a chemical suit

Specifies a suit designed for protection against chemicals.

a clean suit

Highlights the suit's purpose to maintain cleanliness in a controlled environment.

FAQs

How is "a plastic suit" typically used?

The phrase "a plastic suit" is often used to describe protective clothing in environments where there is a risk of contamination or exposure to hazardous materials. It can also refer to specialized clothing used in sports or other activities where water resistance or insulation is needed.

What are some alternative terms for "a plastic suit"?

You can use alternatives like "a vinyl suit", "a synthetic suit", or "a protective suit" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a plastic suit"?

It's appropriate to use the term "a plastic suit" when the suit in question is demonstrably made of plastic material and the material composition is relevant to the description. Otherwise, using a more specific term like "a rain suit" or "a hazmat suit" might be more accurate.

What is the difference between "a plastic suit" and "a rubber suit"?

While both "a plastic suit" and "a rubber suit" describe protective clothing, they differ in material composition. "A plastic suit" is made of plastic, while "a rubber suit" is made of rubber. Each material has different properties in terms of flexibility, chemical resistance, and durability, making them suitable for different applications.