a sense of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sense of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the perception or understanding of physical substances or materials in a particular context, such as art, design, or education. Example: "The artist conveyed a sense of material through the texture and layering of the paint on the canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But a strip of microfilm still relates to a photographic process, still evokes a sense of material presence, and is still susceptible to the physical effects of wear and tear.

The Guardian

Second, it targets our perspective and reinforces a sense of material wealth.

Huffington Post

Finances Adequate savings and income for debt payoff, emergency funds, and a sense of material security.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A sense of material-fueled contentment is evident in Istanbul's giant gleaming malls where clutches of hip young women in brightly colored headscarves clasp their Gucci purses while shopping with reckless abandon.

The New York Times

His main assignment was to get a sense of the material.

The New York Times - Magazine

The complex palette, which in one context conveyed a sense of bejewelled material splendor, in another context suggests the bruised opalescence of bodily decay.

The New York Times - Arts

There's a comfort in seeing children pick up a novel or comic book and try to get a sense of the material before they decide to emerge themselves into it.

Huffington Post

The interviews were read several times to provide a sense of the material.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

After all the interviews had been conducted the transcripts were read several times to get a sense of the material in its entirety and emerging themes were discussed within the research team.

BMC Family Practice

The impulse of movies to think big and dark was probably spurred by the global financial crisis and the continuing recession, which have eroded a fundamental sense of material security and allowed a premonition of impending chaos to spread.

The New York Times

He has an international reputation for creating timeless architectural form and space with a beautiful sense of material and craft," said University Architect Ronald McCoy.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art or design, use "a sense of material" to convey the artist's or designer's understanding and skillful use of different substances.

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of material" in contexts where the discussion is purely conceptual or theoretical, as it implies a tangible, physical understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly and aptly describes the perception or understanding of physical substances within a given context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sense of material" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys an understanding or appreciation of the properties of physical substances. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overly abstract contexts. Common usage areas include news, media, academic writing, and science, reflecting its versatility. Alternatives exist, such as "an understanding of the substance" or "an appreciation for materiality", but ""a sense of material"" remains the standard and most widely accepted phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appreciation for the substance

Emphasizes valuing the inherent qualities of the material.

an awareness of materiality

Highlights the recognition of the material's inherent properties.

a feeling for texture

Focuses specifically on the tactile aspect of the material.

a grasp of the composition

Focuses on understanding the elements that make up the material.

a sensitivity to the stuff

Suggests a refined ability to perceive the nuances of the material.

a comprehension of the fabric

Emphasizes understanding the structure and nature of the material.

a knack for perceiving substances

Implies a talent for discerning the qualities of different materials.

a familiarity with matter

Highlights an acquaintance with the physical substance in question.

an instinct for the grain

Suggests an innate understanding of the material's natural characteristics.

a perception of physical reality

This alternative focuses on understanding the tangibility and nature of physical existence.

FAQs

How can I use "a sense of material" in a sentence?

You can use "a sense of material" to describe someone's understanding or appreciation of the physical properties and qualities of a substance. For example, "The sculptor has "a sense of material" that allows them to create incredibly lifelike figures."

What can I say instead of "a sense of material"?

Alternatives include "an understanding of the substance", "an appreciation for materiality", or "a feeling for texture depending on the specific context".

Is it correct to say "a sense for material" instead of "a sense of material"?

While "a sense for material" might be understood, ""a sense of material"" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing.

What's the difference between ""a sense of material"" and "material sense"?

"A sense of material" refers to an understanding or appreciation of physical substances, while "material sense" isn't a common phrase and might be interpreted as a materialistic attitude or perspective.