a single material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific substance or component in a context such as manufacturing, construction, or art. Example: "The sculpture was crafted from a single material, giving it a unique and cohesive appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Using a single material, the pavilion establishes materiality, light, space and ornament.

Huffington Post

They show that a single material can absorb perfectly at a number of different frequencies.

MIT Technology Review

Many of the physical problems we are interested in transcend a single material.

University of California, Berkeley

The student must choose a single material that serves as part of the visual expression of the buildings.

Yale University

However, the technology is currently limited to printing a single material across each layer.

CIRP Annals

The combination of both applications into a single material has proven to be very challenging though.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Therefore, car designers should use a single material to benefit dealers.

Waste Management

Segregation behavior of a single material with a particle size distribution was investigated using this method.

Powder Technology

Luminescent Tb3+, catalytic Cu2+ and bridging ligand were assembled and integrated into a single material nanoenzyme.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

It remains a grand challenge to achieve all in a single material.

Nano Energy

Currently, automotive bodies are constructed usually using a single material, e.g. steel or aluminum.

Materials & Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the composition of an object or structure, clearly specify that "a single material" is used to emphasize simplicity, purity, or a specific design choice.

Common error

Avoid using "a single material" when the context implies a blend or composite, as it can mislead readers. Instead, opt for clearer descriptions that acknowledge the complexity if present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single material" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an object or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a specific substance or component being used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

28%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single material" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the use of only one type of substance in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various registers, from scientific and academic writing to news and general communication. While alternatives like "one material" or "sole material" exist, "a single material" effectively conveys the intended meaning and is widely understood. Its frequent occurrence in science, news, and academic sources highlights its versatility and relevance across different domains. It's important to use the phrase accurately, avoiding it in contexts where a blend or composite is actually present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one material

This alternative uses a numeral instead of the article 'a' and the adjective 'single', offering a slightly more direct phrasing.

just one material

Adds emphasis to the number 'one', making it clear there are no other materials involved.

sole material

Replaces 'single' with 'sole', emphasizing that it is the only material used.

a singular material

This alternative emphasizes the distinctiveness and singularity of the material being used.

a solitary material

Emphasizes the isolation or singleness of the material.

a lone material

Similar to 'solitary', this highlights the material being by itself.

a unique material

Shifts the focus to the uniqueness of the material rather than the quantity.

a uniform material

Highlights the consistency and lack of variation within the material.

a consistent material

Similar to 'uniform', indicating the material does not change in composition.

a homogeneous material

Focuses on the uniformity of the material, implying it is all of one kind.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single material" to emphasize simplicity in design or composition, as in "The entire structure was built using "one material" to ensure structural integrity".

What are some alternatives to "a single material"?

Alternatives include "sole material", "unique material", or "homogeneous material", depending on the specific aspect you wish to emphasize.

Is it always better to use "a single material" in construction?

Not necessarily. While using "a single material" can offer benefits like simplified construction and a unified aesthetic, composite materials often provide superior performance characteristics for specific applications.

What does it mean when something is made of "a single material"?

It means the object or structure is composed of only one type of substance, without combining different materials. This can be done for various reasons, including cost, design, or functional requirements.