catalyze

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "catalyze" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb, and it means to cause or accelerate a process or reaction. Example sentence: The CEO catalyzed the process of recruiting and hiring new employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Together with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation strives to catalyze and scale transformative innovations, create unlikely partnerships that span sectors, and take risks others cannot – or will not.

The Guardian

"The decay of American politics," Mr Fukuyama writes, "will probably continue until some external shock comes along to catalyze a true reform coalition and galvanize it into action".

The Economist

Enzymes catalyze all aspects of cell metabolism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The enzymes in F1 then catalyze ATP formation, using both the proton supply and the lamellar transmembrane charge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The surfaces of metals that do not combine with hydrogen to form stable hydrides (e.g., platinum) catalyze the recombination of hydrogen atoms to form hydrogen molecules and are thereby heated to incandescence by the energy that this reaction releases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The anaplerotic function may be carried out by either of two enzymes that catalyze the fixation of carbon dioxide onto a three-carbon compound, either pyruvate [50] or phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP, [50a]) to form oxaloacetate, which has four carbon atoms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Proteins are decomposed to amino acids, fats to fatty acids and glycerol, and starches and complex sugars to glucose and other simple sugars; enzymes such as lipases, amylases, and proteinases catalyze the hydrolysis of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, respectively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Food is broken down in a series of steps by cellular enzymes (proteins that catalyze the conversion of compounds called substrates) into products with a different biochemical structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Other forms of addition reactions include: catalyzed addition reactions, such as the self-addition of alkenes (catalyzed by acids) or the hydrogenation of alkenes, aldehydes, and ketones (catalyzed by metals); addition reactions in which cyclic compounds are formed; and addition reactions that proceed by chain mechanisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

WMM is a community of people committed to catalyzing resources to advance women and girls worldwide.

The Guardian

History's verdict, I suspect, will show that this movement was catalyzed into being less by the assault on reproductive rights and more by women's visceral rejection of the message sent by the Todd Akins, Rush Limbaughs, and Paul Ryans of the GOP: woman, get thee back in your proper place.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catalyze" when you want to emphasize the acceleration or instigation of a process, particularly in scientific or abstract contexts. It often implies a significant or transformative change.

Common error

Avoid using "catalyze" in overly informal or casual conversations where simpler words like "start" or "help" would be more appropriate. The term can sound pretentious if used incorrectly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "catalyze" is as a verb. It describes the action of causing or accelerating a process or reaction, as Ludwig AI confirms. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

70%

News & Media

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "catalyze" is a grammatically correct verb that means to initiate or accelerate a process. As Ludwig AI points out, it is usable in written English and is frequently employed in formal contexts, particularly within scientific and encyclopedic sources. While it may be tempting to use it in everyday speech, reserve it for situations where its precise meaning and formal tone are appropriate. Alternative terms like "accelerate" or "stimulate" can be used to similar effect in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accelerate

This term focuses on speeding up a process or action.

stimulate

This suggests encouraging growth or activity.

facilitate

This focuses on making a process easier or smoother.

promote

This focuses on actively supporting or encouraging something.

foster

This implies nurturing and helping something develop.

spur

This suggests inciting someone or something to action.

trigger

This indicates initiating a process or event.

instigate

This implies initiating an action, often with negative connotations.

spark

This suggests igniting a sudden burst of activity or interest.

drive

This indicates a strong force that pushes something forward.

FAQs

How do you use "catalyze" in a sentence?

You can use "catalyze" to describe accelerating a process, such as: "The new policy "catalyzed economic growth"" or "Enzymes "catalyze biochemical reactions"".

What can I say instead of "catalyze"?

You can use alternatives like "accelerate", "stimulate", or "promote" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "catalyze" formal or informal?

"Catalyze" is generally considered a formal term, often used in scientific, academic, or professional settings. Simpler words might be more suitable for informal conversation.

What's the difference between "catalyze" and "facilitate"?

"Catalyze" implies causing or accelerating a process, while "facilitate" means making a process easier. To "catalyze" is to initiate change; to facilitate is to aid existing progress.