conductive

USAGE SUMMARY

"conductive" is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that facilitates the conduction of heat, electricity, sound, or other forms of energy. For example, "Copper is a highly conductive metal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laundering does not seem to affect its conductivity much either.Electrically conductive cloth is all very well, but the more interesting part of Dr Cui's research is that he can use the new material to make something called a supercapacitor.

The Economist

Although the fibre in question could not conduct electricity, the same technique should work with conductive molecules, which could serve as minute diodes and other circuit components.Whether molecular combing will prove a useful technique for integrating conventional and molecular electronics remains to be seen.

The Economist

Experiencing your relationship with another human (other than your children) as a burden of responsibility, rather than a positive choice, is not conductive to long-term happiness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indium-tin oxide, for example, is both transparent and electrically conductive.

The Economist

Though graphene flakes have already been incorporated into tennis racquets, skis and conductive ink, the new lightbulb is claimed by its manufacturer Graphene Lighting Plc, a spin-out from the National Graphene Institute and Manchester University to be the first commercially viable consumer product based on the material.

The Economist

When put under stress, for example, the nanotubes bend and become less conductive.

The Economist

Making a positively charged cathode, the other important bit, was more difficult because for a battery to work well the cathode needs to be highly conductive.

The Economist

Electricity, meanwhile, is delivered via a conductive brush that sweeps around a metal ring in the stationary base.Electricity, of course, is needed to turn a revolving building.

The Economist

Now, a technology that allows antennas to bend fluidly and "self heal" as they get whacked around in the chaos of war could make using them a great deal easier.Antennas transmit signals by using an oscillating electrical current in a length of conductive material to generate electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves.

The Economist

Carmakers such as GM are considering Gorix's technology, not just as a better way to warm seats but, more cleverly, to identify passengers electronically so that the car "knows" whether to deploy an airbag in the event of a crash.Robert Rix, Gorix's boss, warns about hyping smart textiles too much, pointing to a big practical problem: the batteries needed to power conductive clothing.

The Economist

A Europan magnetic field in the opposite direction to Jupiter's would suggest there is a layer of conductive material, such as an ocean, below the moon's surface.That is exactly what was done with the results from three fly-bys that took place in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials, specify what the material is "conductive" of (e.g., "electrically conductive", "thermally conductive").

Common error

Avoid using "conductive" without specifying what is being conducted. Saying "The material is conductive" lacks clarity; instead, state "The material is electrically conductive."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conductive" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their ability to transmit electricity, heat, or other forms of energy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing material properties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conductive" is an adjective used to describe a material's ability to transmit energy, typically electricity or heat. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and common across various domains. For best practice, specify what the material is "conductive" of (e.g., "electrically conductive"). Common errors include omitting this specification. Appearing frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, "conductive" maintains a neutral formality level. Related phrases include "transmissive" and "enabling", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transmissive

Focuses on the action of transmitting something, differing from "conductive" which emphasizes the ability to facilitate transmission.

transmitting

Highlights the act of conveyance, where "conductive" describes the property that enables it.

facilitative

Emphasizes the supporting role in allowing something to happen, whereas "conductive" refers to the specific property of enabling transmission.

enabling

Highlights the capacity to make something possible, differing from "conductive" which specifically relates to the transfer of energy or signals.

transference-capable

Describes the ability to transfer something, differing from "conductive" which denotes a characteristic that supports such transfer.

transmitting effectively

Focuses on the efficient transfer, while "conductive" refers to the inherent property that allows effective transmission.

facilitating transfer

Highlights the action of making a transfer easier, contrasting with "conductive" which is a property that naturally aids the transfer.

aiding transmission

Focuses on the act of supporting transmission, different from "conductive" that describes the intrinsic property that helps transmission.

transfer-promoting

Describes something that encourages transfer, while "conductive" denotes the property that facilitates it.

promoting passage

Emphasizes facilitating movement, contrasting with "conductive" which inherently allows the passage of energy or signals.

FAQs

How can I use "conductive" in a sentence?

You can use "conductive" to describe materials that allow the flow of electricity or heat, as in "Copper is a highly "conductive" metal."

What are some synonyms for "conductive" in the context of electrical conductivity?

While there aren't direct synonyms, related terms include "transmissive", or "transmitting effectively" when describing a material's ability to carry electricity.

Is it correct to say something is just "conductive" without specifying what it conducts?

While understandable, it's more precise to specify what the subject is "electrically conductive" or thermally "conductive" for clarity.

What is the difference between "conductive" and "conducive"?

"Conductive" refers to the ability to transmit energy or electricity, while "conducive" means tending to promote or assist; for example, "a "quiet environment" is "conducive" to studying."