chemical substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chemical substance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific contexts to refer to any material with a definite chemical composition. Example: "Water is a chemical substance composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chemical intermediate, any chemical substance produced during the conversion of some reactant to a product.

Britannica

Impurity means a chemical substance which is unintentionally present with another chemical substance.

Cornell University

The stato wrangled over the chemical substance of.

The New Yorker

A person who extracts a component chemical substance from a previously existing chemical substance or a complex combination of substances is a manufacturer of that component chemical substance.

Cornell University

The chemical substance that is secreted is called a neurotransmitter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why? Addiction is a physical dependence on a chemical substance.

Harvard University

Bristol-Myers's secondary patent covers a chemical substance made in the body when patients take BuSpar.

The New York Times

For me it was merely a chemical substance that made me feel a certain way.

The Guardian

The second patent covered a chemical substance made in the body of patients who take BuSpar.

The New York Times

The police could not confirm the gender of the offenders or identify the chemical substance.

The Washington Post

The different structures of such a chemical substance are called polymorphic forms, or polymorphs.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "chemical substance", be precise about its composition and properties, especially in scientific or technical writing. Include its chemical formula or structure if available to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "chemical substance" as a vague term. Instead, specify the actual substance if known (e.g., use "sodium chloride" instead of "a chemical substance").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chemical substance" functions primarily as a noun, serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating its use in describing materials with specific compositions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chemical substance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term across diverse contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig. It primarily serves as a noun to classify materials based on their chemical attributes. While its register leans towards formal and scientific domains, its prevalence in news media broadens its applicability. When writing, ensure precision by specifying the exact substance rather than relying on this broader term. Consider alternative phrases like "chemical compound" or "chemical agent" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chemical compound

Focuses on the combination of elements to form a distinct entity.

chemical agent

Implies a substance with a specific effect or use, often in industrial or military contexts.

chemical material

A more general term for any substance used in chemical processes or applications.

specific chemical

Emphasizes the unique identity and properties of the substance.

particular chemical

Similar to "specific chemical", highlighting a certain chemical among others.

chemical element

Refers to a pure substance consisting only of atoms with the same number of protons.

reactive substance

Highlights the substance's tendency to undergo chemical reactions.

synthetic compound

Specifies that the substance is artificially created.

organic compound

Indicates a substance containing carbon and typically found in living organisms.

inorganic compound

Designates a substance that generally does not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.

FAQs

How is "chemical substance" used in a sentence?

The phrase "chemical substance" refers to a material with a specific chemical composition. For instance, "Water is a common "chemical substance" essential for life."

What are some synonyms for "chemical substance"?

Alternatives include "chemical compound", "chemical agent", or simply "chemical", depending on the context.

Is "chemical substance" a formal term?

"Chemical substance" is a relatively formal term suitable for scientific, technical, and legal contexts. In more informal settings, "chemical" might suffice.

What's the difference between a "chemical substance" and a "mixture"?

A "chemical substance" has a definite composition and properties, whereas a mixture is a combination of substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded.