body of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "body of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a collection or compilation of information, data, or content on a specific subject. Example: "The research paper presented a comprehensive body of material that supported the author's thesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"The Senate Judiciary Committee, at the request of Senator Specter requested this body of material," said Carole Florman of the Justice Department.

The New York Times

She went on, "I like the idea of showing the Cham art as this wonderful body of material that the French hated.

The New Yorker

But these are all good stories, and they are well retold by Mr. Wiser, whose distillation of a vast body of material produces a flavorful and instructive brew.

The New York Times - Books

"He performs as well as a QC also, asking, in a firm but courteous voice, precise questions which demonstrate his detailed knowledge of an enormous body of material".

The New Yorker

Writing "Gabriel" required Hirsch, for the first time, to sort through a huge body of material for which he had to find a shape and a form.

The New Yorker

But were the authorities to pitch Valletta as a weekend city-break destination they've got a near perfect body of material to work with.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The methods and results are depicted in the first body of materials, methods, and results.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The details and results of the second part are also depicted in the second body of materials, methods and results.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The pluralism of decision-makers is also two-fold: (a) there are many individuals making decisions using the same body of materials, and (b) these individuals do not share a uniform evaluative outlook.

SEP

"This allows us to talk about the encounter between the two different bodies of material".

The New York Times

Good as they are, both books are still only a handful of essays with pictures, just as the exhibitions are mere samplings of much larger bodies of material.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific collection of documents or research, use "body of material" to emphasize its comprehensive and unified nature. This term suggests the collection forms a coherent whole.

Common error

While acceptable, "body of material" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "collection of stuff" or "bunch of things" when the context is less serious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "body of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a collection or compilation of information, data, or content on a specific subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "body of material" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a collection of information, data, or content on a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While it is versatile, "body of material" is most frequently found in news, science and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to emphasize the completeness and coherence of the collection you're referencing and to avoid overusing it in informal settings. Its function is descriptive, aiming to portray the scope and depth of resources available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collection of data

Emphasizes the gathering of factual information, differing from 'material' which can be broader.

compilation of facts

Focuses on assembled factual details, unlike 'material' which encompasses more than just facts.

accumulation of knowledge

Highlights the growth of understanding over time, differing from a static 'body'.

inventory of resources

Suggests a catalog or list of available items, not necessarily related conceptually.

store of information

Implies a reserve or repository of details, slightly different than an organized 'body'.

mass of evidence

Refers specifically to items that support a claim, unlike the more neutral 'material'.

collection of findings

Focuses on discoveries or results, which is more specific than general 'material'.

corpus of texts

Specifies written documents, while 'material' can be non-textual.

range of documents

Highlights the variety within the collection, not just its existence.

assortment of items

Implies a heterogeneous mix, unlike the potentially uniform 'material'.

FAQs

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

You can use "body of material" to refer to a collection of information, data, or content on a specific subject. For example: "The historian examined a vast "body of material" to support their analysis of the era".

What are some alternatives to "body of material"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "collection of data", "compilation of facts", or "store of information".

Is "body of material" formal or informal?

"Body of material" tends to be more formal and is suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. In informal settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "body of material" and "body of work"?

"Body of work" typically refers to the entire collection of pieces produced by an artist, writer, or other creative professional, while "body of material" can refer to any organized compilation of information or resources.