acidity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "acidity" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You can use "acidity" to refer to the level of acidity in a substance or to describe a taste or smell that is sharp and sour. For example: "The acidity of the wine was very noticeable on my tongue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And linking the fatty acids with methanol neutralises their acidity, thus stopping them from corroding the engine.

The Economist

The sea would not become so acidic that shells would actually dissolve, but the extra acidity would mean making them was harder work, which might upset the oceanic ecosystem quite badly.

The Economist

Sweetness and acidity are needed to offset the saltiness of the cheese usually eaten with it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While bitterness and saltiness can be important in cocktails, Rachel tells us, the balance between sweetness and acidity is paramount.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is no need to add sloe brandy, as Larousse suggests, to round out the sauce, because the acidity is already balanced by the natural sweetness of the wine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The extra CO2 in the atmosphere interacts with the top layer of the ocean to increase the acidity of the water.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you're not serving the lemonade straight away, leave out the mint leaves, as the acidity from the lemon will turn them brown.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The increased ocean acidity actually starts to dissolve the corals.

The Guardian - Opinion

We all know lemon is loved by salmon, but the fish also adores the flavour and acidity of pink grapefruit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Increased ocean acidity and rises in sea temperatures from fossil fuel burning.

The Guardian

It doesn't have quite the same fresh acidity as the fruit itself, but it is really not a bad alternative (and tends to be much cheaper, too).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food or beverages, use "acidity" to denote the sharp or sour taste that balances sweetness and other flavors. This adds a layer of complexity and interest to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "acidity" when simpler words like "sourness" or "sharpness" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. "Acidity" is more appropriate when discussing chemical properties or precise flavor profiles.

Linguistic Context

The noun "acidity" primarily functions as a descriptor of a chemical property or a sensory attribute. Ludwig provides examples ranging from the acidity of the ocean to the acidity of wine, indicating its versatile use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "acidity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, with applications ranging from scientific measurements to sensory descriptions. It commonly appears in news articles and scientific literature, highlighting its relevance in discussing environmental issues and culinary experiences. While "acidity" is versatile, consider synonyms like "sourness" or "tartness" for more casual contexts. Understanding the nuances of "acidity" allows for precise and engaging communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acid level

Focuses specifically on the measurement of acid concentration.

acid content

Refers to the amount of acid present in a substance.

sourness

Highlights the sensory experience of a sour taste.

tartness

Emphasizes a sharp, pleasing sourness.

acidic nature

Highlights the inherent acidic properties of something.

acidulousness

A more formal term for a slightly acidic quality.

pH level

Uses the scientific measurement to quantify acidity.

sharpness

Indicates a pungent or biting quality related to acidity.

hydrogen ion concentration

A technical term referring to the measure of acidity.

sour taste

Focuses solely on the taste sensation caused by acidity.

FAQs

How is "acidity" commonly used in scientific contexts?

In scientific fields, "acidity" often refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, measured by pH. Increased "ocean acidification", for example, is a major environmental concern.

What are some common synonyms for "acidity" in culinary descriptions?

In culinary contexts, "acidity" can be replaced with terms like "sourness", "tartness", or "sharpness" to describe the flavor profile of foods and drinks. These alternatives provide a more accessible way to discuss the taste experience.

How does the term "acidity" apply to soil science?

In soil science, "acidity" refers to the pH level of the soil, which affects plant growth. Soil "soil acidity" can be modified using lime to improve agricultural productivity.

What causes "increased ocean acidity" and why is it a problem?

Increased "ocean acidity" is primarily caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This increase threatens marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells.