a quantity of matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quantity of matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific contexts, particularly in discussions about physics or chemistry, to refer to a specific amount of physical substance. Example: "In physics, mass is defined as a quantity of matter that an object contains, which is independent of its volume."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A thermodynamic system is a quantity of matter, which is defined by its boundary.

Nano and Bio Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow

If he gains weight, then again something remains, Socrates, and something is gained, in this case a quantity of matter.

SEP

The chart above might suggest that this portion of matter is one thing with three parts; but it is conceived of merely as a quantity of matter.

SEP

The term "optimal" should be understood here as the minimum of the total volume of the reactors required to perform a given conversion rate, given a quantity of matter to be converted per time unit.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When a soil-improving crop is turned under, the various nutrients that have contributed to the growth of the crop are returned to the soil, adding a quantity of organic matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The water, treated by Moringa and filtered, possesses turbidity and a quantity of organic matter corresponding to the required standards.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

Robert Landau, the owner of Landau's of Princeton, a clothing store, said thousands of visitors make pilgrimages here each year to feel connected to the man who shocked the world when he demonstrated how a small quantity of matter could produce a tremendous amount of energy.

The New York Times

But a tiny asymmetry between them caused a small quantity of matter to escape the otherwise mutual destruction that inevitably followed.

The Economist

This funny conclusion is consistent with the principle of continuity, as we have just seen, but it enters into contradiction with what could be termed the 'postulate of permanence': no material body (and by that we mean a given quantity of matter) can go out of existence all of a sudden, without leaving any traces.

SEP

Yet he infers that occult properties derive from formal, not material causes partly because a very small quantity of matter often may have an enormous effect (Magia 1558: bk. 1, ch. 8).

SEP

The matter of which a substance is composed may exist independently of that substance (think of the wood of which a desk is composed, which existed before the desk was made and may survive the disassembly of the desk), but it is not as such any definite individual it is just a quantity of a certain kind of matter.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a quantity of matter", ensure the context clearly defines whether you are referring to mass, volume, or some other specific measurable aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "a quantity of matter" in general discussions where simpler terms like "material" or "substance" would suffice. This phrase is most appropriate in scientific or technical contexts where precise measurement or quantification is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a quantity of matter" is as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, it denotes a measurable or quantifiable amount of physical substance, commonly within scientific discussions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quantity of matter" is a noun phrase used to describe a measurable amount of physical substance. As indicated by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, but its use is relatively rare and primarily confined to scientific and technical contexts. Alternatives such as "an amount of substance" may be more appropriate in general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies its precision and that the focus is on quantification or measurement. Remember to avoid overly abstract use in simpler contexts. This ensures that it is clear whether mass, volume or some other measurable aspect is referred to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an amount of substance

Focuses on the compositional aspect rather than the bulk.

a mass of material

Emphasizes the physical bulk and composition.

a certain portion of material

Highlights a specific, defined part of the matter.

a measure of substance

Shifts the emphasis to the measurement aspect.

a body of stuff

Uses a more informal term ("stuff") for matter.

a sum of constituents

Focuses on the components that make up the matter.

a given volume of material

Specifies volume as the characteristic of the matter.

an aggregate of particles

Highlights the particulate nature of matter.

a collection of elements

Emphasizes the basic chemical elements comprising the matter.

a quantum of existence

Offers a more philosophical or abstract take on matter.

FAQs

How can I use "a quantity of matter" in a sentence?

Use "a quantity of matter" when referring to a measurable or quantifiable amount of physical substance, especially in scientific contexts. For example, "The experiment measured the energy released from a small quantity of matter."

What is a more common way to say "a quantity of matter"?

Alternatives include "an amount of substance" or "a mass of material", which are often more widely understood in non-technical settings.

Is it more appropriate to say "a quantity of matter" or "amount of matter"?

"A quantity of matter" implies a measurable or specific amount, while "amount of matter" is more general. The better choice depends on whether you are emphasizing the measurability of the substance.

How does "a quantity of matter" differ from "a state of matter"?

"A quantity of matter" refers to the amount of a substance, whereas "a state of matter" refers to its physical form (solid, liquid, gas, plasma, etc.).