chemical

USAGE SUMMARY

"chemical" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to substances that have an element composition, such as in the following example sentence: "We must take precautions when dealing with hazardous chemicals in the laboratory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, the Nobel committee's citation said the prize was a more general one, to mark "its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons" and nudge the few remaining nations that had not yet signed up to the organisation.

The Guardian

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has become the surprise choice for this year's Nobel peace prize, a decision the Oslo committee said recognised both its current, hazardous mission to destroy Syria's chemical weapons stocks and 16 years of wider global efforts.

The Guardian

Greens grown on soil in good heart, salad leaves produced without the aid of chemical sprays, animals that have lived a good life and eaten good food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now: Walker went on to establish his own public relations consultancy, with clients from the chemical and plastics industries.

The Guardian

2.37pm BST14:37 UN general assembly backs resolution on Syria The UN general assembly has overwhelmingly denounced Syria's crackdown and demanded the securing of its chemical and biological weapons.

The Guardian

Speaking of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, she said: "The fact that atrocities such as this continue to occur shows that we must remain vigilant to the threat of chemical and biological weapons".

The Guardian

The government's own official advisers on drugs stopped short in March of recommending a ban on nitrous oxide, saying that deaths linked to the gas were rare, and suggested working with the chemical industry to better understand the risks and with health authorities to prevent thefts from hospitals.

The Guardian

Investigators say it's still not clear what caused a toxic chemical to leak from a valve at a suburban Houston plant, killing four workers and injuring a fifth.

The Guardian

His disabled father, a former chemical engineer, was reduced to working door-to-door selling shoes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The US and France say they're ready to step in, responding to the apparent chemical attack on civilians outside Damascus last week, but Russia has warned against such a move.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The open shelves are stacked neatly with "museum quality" (non-acidic and chemical-free) cardboard boxes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "chemicals", be specific. Instead of using the broad term, consider specifying the type of chemical (e.g., organic, inorganic, industrial) for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "chemicals" are hazardous. While some pose risks, many are essential and safe when handled correctly. Always consider the specific "chemical" and its properties rather than making broad generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The term “chemical” primarily functions as a noun referring to a specific substance, element, compound or alloy. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to chemistry or not commonly found in nature. As Ludwig AI states, “chemical” is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "chemical" is a versatile term used to describe substances, processes, and industries related to chemistry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable term in English, commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using "chemical", consider the specific context to ensure clarity and precision, opting for more specific terms when necessary. Understanding the common errors, like overgeneralizing properties, helps in using the word effectively and accurately. The word is very common with examples count > 50.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chemical substance

Focuses on the tangible aspect of a chemical as a distinct material.

chemical compound

Highlights the composition of the chemical from multiple elements.

chemical agent

Emphasizes the active or reactive nature of the chemical.

reactive substance

Emphasizes the capability of the substance to undergo a chemical reaction.

industrial chemical

Highlights the use of the chemical in industrial processes.

synthetic compound

Focuses on the artificial origin of the chemical.

organic compound

Specifies that the chemical contains carbon and is related to organic chemistry.

toxic substance

Highlights the poisonous or harmful nature of the chemical.

elemental composition

Refers to the basic elements that constitute the chemical.

molecular entity

Highlights the distinct molecular structure of the chemical.

FAQs

How can I use the word "chemical" in a sentence?

The word "chemical" can be used as a noun, referring to a substance, or as an adjective, describing something related to chemistry. For example: "This laboratory handles dangerous chemicals" or "The chemical industry is heavily regulated".

What are some synonyms for the word "chemical"?

Synonyms for "chemical" include "chemical substance", "chemical compound", or "chemical agent", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use the word "chemical" to describe something artificial?

Yes, "chemical" can refer to an artificial compound. For example, one might say, "I color my hair with henna, not chemicals" to indicate a preference for a natural dye over artificial ones.

How does the term "chemical" relate to fields like biology or medicine?

In biology and medicine, "chemical" substances play crucial roles. For example, brain "brain chemical"s like dopamine affect mood and behavior, and medications often rely on specific chemical interactions to achieve therapeutic effects.