be material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is relevant or significant to a particular subject or situation. Example: "The evidence presented in court must be material to the case in order to be considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Giving" need not be material.

The New York Times

They have to be material.

The New Yorker

"It had to be material on the lighter side".

The New York Times

The stories just happen to be material from YouTube.

The Guardian

And it won't only be material deprivations that bites.

The New York Times

There is likely to be material from burning buildings too.

The Guardian

Dreyer's said the financial effect would not be material.

The New York Times

We like our material possessions to be material.

The New Yorker

If motherhood can be material, why not this?

The New York Times - Books

The earnings restatement is likely to be material.

The New York Times

It doesn't have to be material, but in freedom of thinking".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal writing, use "be material" to denote facts that are essential to the outcome of a case.

Common error

Avoid using "be material" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be important" or "be relevant" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be material" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, typically following a linking verb. It signifies that something possesses relevance, importance, or significance within a given context. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and used across various types of English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be material" is grammatically correct and frequently used to denote relevance or significance across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is valid and appears mostly in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal/Business writing. To enhance your writing, remember to consider the level of formality and the specific context when employing this phrase, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings. By understanding its nuanced applications, you can effectively communicate the importance of information in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be relevant

Focuses on the direct connection or importance to the matter at hand.

be significant

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of something.

be important

Highlights the value or necessity of something.

be pertinent

Stresses the direct relevance to the specific topic.

be crucial

Indicates the critical nature of something.

be vital

Suggests that something is essential or necessary.

be consequential

Implies that something has significant results or effects.

be applicable

Indicates that something is capable of being applied or used.

be germane

Highlights the relevance and appropriateness of something.

be considerable

Suggests that something is worthy of attention or respect.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be material" indicates something is relevant or significant. For instance, "The evidence must "be material" to the case."

What can I say instead of "be material"?

Alternatives include "be relevant", "be significant", or "be important" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "be material" or "is material"?

Both phrases are correct, but their usage differs. "Be material" is often used in conditional or hypothetical statements, while "is material" asserts a current state. For example: 'If the evidence is to be considered, it must "be material".' versus 'The evidence is "be material" to the investigation.'

What's the difference between "be material" and "be relevant"?

"Be material" often carries a stronger sense of importance or consequence than "be relevant". Something that "is material" is essential, while something that is relevant is simply connected or applicable.