a pure form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pure form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in its most basic or unaltered state, often in artistic, philosophical, or scientific contexts. Example: "The artist aimed to capture a pure form of beauty in her latest sculpture, free from any distractions or embellishments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When WhatsApp demonstrated that messaging was alive and well in a pure form, Facebook acquired it.

Harvard Business Review

This episode represents a pure form of psychological warfare and tacit cooperation between competitors.

Harvard Business Review

These can be isolated in a pure form from the media.

Cornell University

It would be wrong to go back to a pure form of the grammar-school system.

The Economist

From the outset Israel adopted a pure form of proportional representation.

The Economist

The tumour is rare in a pure form and most cases are combined with acinar adenocarcinoma.

Pathology

He had a good drift to his voice, a glide that's a pure form of Puerto Rican swing.

The New York Times

Materials can be studied in the solid, liquid, or gas phase either in a pure form or in mixtures.

Britannica

Despite her incredible ignorance, her mind was still sharp, and filled with a pure form of curiosity.

The New Yorker

MDMA is a pure form of the club drug ecstasy, which is often contaminated with other substances.

The Guardian

But scientists now believe this woman must have had a very rare genetic mutation that guarantees a person will get a pure form of Alzheimer's by middle age.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pure form" to describe substances, concepts, or emotions that are unmixed or unadulterated. For example, "The scientist isolated a pure form of the compound for further study."

Common error

Avoid using "a pure form" when a simpler adjective like "simple", "clear", or "basic" would suffice. Overuse can sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pure form" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, modifying another noun or pronoun. It denotes the unadulterated or essential state of something. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across various scientific, philosophical and artistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pure form" is grammatically sound and widely used to denote something in its unadulterated, essential state. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in scientific, news and media, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, it's best to use "a pure form" to describe unmixed substances, concepts or emotions. Remember to avoid overuse in abstract contexts where simpler adjectives suffice, keeping your writing clear and concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unadulterated form

Emphasizes the absence of any additives or alterations, focusing on its untouched state.

a pristine state

Highlights the original and untouched condition, suggesting a flawless and unspoiled nature.

a refined essence

Focuses on the concentrated and purified core of something, emphasizing its essential nature.

an absolute essence

Conveys the idea of something being the ultimate and most complete example of its kind.

a quintessential version

Suggests a representation that perfectly embodies the most typical characteristics of something.

a basic form

Highlights simplicity and lack of complexity in the expression.

an original state

Emphasizes the initial condition before any changes or modifications occurred.

an untouched version

Stresses the absence of any human intervention or manipulation.

a naked instance

Highlights raw or exposed element, stripped of anything that conceals its essence.

a clear manifestation

Suggests that the element is unambiguous or readily apparent.

FAQs

How can I use "a pure form" in a sentence?

You can use "a pure form" to describe something that is unmixed, unadulterated, or in its most basic state. For instance, "The artist sought to capture "an absolute essence" of joy in her painting".

What's the difference between "a pure form" and "a basic form"?

"A pure form" emphasizes the absence of contaminants or alterations, while "a basic form" highlights the fundamental or simplest state. The former is about cleanliness, the latter about simplicity.

What can I say instead of "a pure form"?

Alternatives include "an unadulterated form", "a pristine state", or "a refined essence" depending on the context.

Is it always better to use "a pure form" when talking about chemistry?

Not necessarily. While "a pure form" is accurate in chemistry, sometimes describing the concentration or specific composition might be more informative depending on the technicality required.