a type of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a type of material" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when categorizing or describing a specific kind of substance or fabric in various contexts, such as science, fashion, or construction. Example: "Cotton is a type of material that is widely used in clothing due to its breathability and comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's a gift he applies to a type of material he's never attempted before; the graft takes.

The New York Times

Insulating concrete is a type of material designed to enhance energy efficiency by reducing thermal conductivity.

Construction and Building Materials

One group in his lab is culturing mammary cells – the kind most likely to become cancerous – inside of a type of material called a hydrogel.

Stanford University

He found that the line along which the air blew produced a type of material that had a higher melting point than the rest of the substance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tuff has always been a type of material used as natural building stone in building sector since early times.

Construction and Building Materials

So Shockley began to think about using a type of material known as the semiconductor, which partly conducted and partly resisted electric current; it also sometimes acted as a rectifier that would allow current to move in only one direction.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Calcium phosphates with negative zeta potential belong to a type of materials favoring apatite nucleation, bone regeneration, as well as osseointegration.

Materials Letters

This hypothesis for the physical mode of action makes the use of nanopesticide stronger and insects are unlikely to become genetically selected or having no physiological resistant to such a type of materials.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

When plastic material sits in our ocean for long enough it starts to degrade into nano plastics, a type of microplastic material that can traverse cell walls into fat and muscle tissue.

Vice

One is a modified zeolite, a type of porous material that has long been used in catalysis.

MIT Technology Review

Tailor rolled blank (TRB) is a type of emerging material to produce lightweight vehicle parts.

Journal of Iron and Steel Research, International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documents, be specific about the properties of "a type of material" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'a type of material,' specify 'a type of polymer' or 'a type of composite material'.

Common error

Avoid using "a type of material" without providing specific details in technical contexts. Always clarify what distinguishes it from other materials to maintain precision and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a type of material" functions as a noun phrase used to categorize or classify substances based on their inherent characteristics. Ludwig shows its use in a wide array of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a type of material" is a versatile phrase used to categorize various substances across numerous fields, including science, news, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. While its usage is common, clarity and precision are key; specify the material type to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a kind of substance" or "a form of matter", depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately describe different materials in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kind of substance

Replaces "material" with "substance", focusing on the inherent composition.

a category of substance

Emphasizes the categorization of different materials.

a class of matter

Uses "matter" to refer to physical substances, implying a scientific context.

a form of matter

Highlights the physical state or structure of the material.

a sort of stuff

More informal, replacing "material" with the colloquial "stuff".

a species of compound

Refers specifically to chemical compounds, used in scientific contexts.

a variety of resource

Focuses on materials used as resources for specific purposes.

a genre of fabric

Specifically applies to textile materials.

a brand of product

Refers to materials as components of manufactured goods.

a grade of feedstock

Used in manufacturing and agriculture to describe raw materials.

FAQs

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

You can use "a type of material" to categorize substances based on their properties. For example, "Steel is "a type of material" known for its strength and durability".

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

The phrases "a type of material" and "a kind of material" are largely interchangeable. Both are used to classify or categorize different substances. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

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

Alternatives include "a sort of material", "a form of material", or "a category of material" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it always necessary to specify the "type of material" when describing something?

While not always necessary, specifying the "type of material" provides clarity and precision. If the material's properties are relevant to the discussion, identifying it is crucial. Otherwise, a more general term like "substance" might suffice.