air pollution

USAGE SUMMARY

"air pollution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the contamination of the outdoor atmosphere by any combination of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that threaten human health or welfare. For example, "The city of Los Angeles has a serious problem with air pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Air Pollution.

Cornell University

The tree resits air pollution.

The New Yorker

(See also air pollution control).

Encyclopedia Britannica

1.0 Air pollution emergency.

Cornell University

"Trees absorb air pollution.

The Guardian

Air pollution shortens lives.

The Guardian

There's air pollution.

The Washington Post

Tree leaves also filter air pollution.

The New York Times

Jerusalem has no serious air pollution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A plane to tackle air pollution.

The Guardian

REPORTER AT LARGE about air pollution.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "air pollution", be specific about the pollutants involved (e.g., particulate matter, nitrogen oxides) and their sources to provide a clearer understanding of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "air pollution" as a generic term without specifying the context or the specific pollutants. Instead of saying "air pollution is bad", specify "high levels of particulate matter from vehicle exhaust contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air pollution" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of environmental contamination. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It denotes the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Science

22%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "air pollution" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to the contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances. As Ludwig AI validates, it's used across diverse contexts, from academic research and news reporting to encyclopedic entries and wiki articles. Its primary function is to inform and raise awareness about this pressing environmental issue. When writing about this topic, specificity regarding the pollutants and their sources is essential for clarity and impact. Related phrases, such as "atmospheric contamination" and "poor air quality", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. Understanding both the phrase's correct usage and the potential health and environmental impacts is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indoor air pollution

Narrows the focus to air pollution within enclosed spaces.

outdoor air pollution

Narrows the focus to air pollution in the outdoor environment.

atmospheric contamination

Focuses on the broader concept of contaminating the atmosphere, encompassing more than just pollutants.

poor air quality

Refers to a general state of the air being unhealthy or contaminated.

environmental pollution

Broadens the scope to include all forms of pollution affecting the environment, not just air.

smog

Refers specifically to a type of air pollution characterized by a mixture of smoke and fog.

toxic emissions

Highlights the poisonous nature of the substances released into the air.

particulate matter

Focuses on a specific type of air pollutant consisting of small particles.

fossil fuel emissions

Specifies the source of pollution, linking it directly to the burning of fossil fuels.

emission of pollutants

Emphasizes the act of releasing pollutants into the air.

FAQs

How does "air pollution" affect the environment?

Air pollution contributes to various environmental problems, including acid rain, ozone depletion, and climate change. Pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can acidify rain, harming ecosystems. Greenhouse gases trap heat, leading to global warming. To learn more about environmental impacts check out "environmental pollution".

What are some common sources of "air pollution"?

Common sources include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, burning of fossil fuels, agricultural activities, and natural events like volcanic eruptions. Each source releases different pollutants, affecting air quality in various ways.

What can I do to reduce "air pollution"?

You can reduce your contribution to air pollution by using public transportation, driving fuel-efficient vehicles, conserving energy, supporting clean energy initiatives, and avoiding burning trash or leaves. Also, advocate for policies that promote cleaner air.

What are the health effects of "air pollution"?

Exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other health issues. Vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions are particularly at risk. You may want to avoid "outdoor air pollution" and "indoor air pollution" to minimize health effects.