delicate material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of fabric or substance that is fragile or requires careful handling. Example: "The dress was made from a delicate material that needed to be dry cleaned only."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

So prized was this hard but delicate material that it was known as "white gold".

The New York Times - Travel

The delicate material becomes even more fragile once Gates chooses to share the poet's story with a dying child.

The New York Times - Books

He had been told to tape over the seams while stitching them to protect the delicate material, but used too strong a tape.

The Guardian - Arts

Far from being put off by the potentially delicate material, Mr. Sheen said he was enthusiastic about a series where sexuality was not just front and center but nearly ubiquitous.

The New York Times - Arts

Now that's what I call CPT! 2. As we exit the airport, the Nairobi breeze offers itself like a light blanket of delicate material, delivering a foreign, vaguely optimistic caress.

The New York Times

Like Bret Easton Ellis, A. M. Homes writes sleek, violent cartoons of contemporary existence, and it's fascinating to watch this novelist of extremes handle the delicate material of her own life.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

More delicate materials like electronics, weapons and ammunition arrive by air, according to the military.

The New York Times

Osakwe's clothes, for clients who can afford them, are both armor and lingerie: intimidating but inviting, with unyielding lines and delicate materials.

The New Yorker

"The gallery space can either be flooded with dramatic daylight, or the glass painted black to provide the low light levels that the V&A needs for the delicate materials they sometimes exhibit".

The Guardian

Professional conservationists specializing in paper, textiles, and other delicate materials travelled around the country, helping interested amateurs to, as he put it, "preserve Grandma's old shawl, or that wonderful photograph".

The New Yorker

In addition, the complex formation with ligands affect the measurements and delicate materials simply corrode.

Geothermal Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art conservation, specify the type of "delicate material" (e.g., textiles, paper) and the preservation techniques used.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate material" as a generic term. Be specific about what makes the material delicate (e.g., thinness, chemical reactivity) to provide more informative context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate material" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate that it requires careful handling due to its fragility or sensitivity. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts, highlighting its use in describing fabrics, historical artifacts, and scientific specimens.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate material" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe fragile or sensitive substances requiring careful handling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts from news to scientific literature. To enhance clarity, writers should specify the specific property of the material that makes it delicate. Alternatives like "fragile substance" or "sensitive fabric" can be used depending on the context. Remember the contexts of usage are varied including News & Media, Wiki, Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile substance

Emphasizes the breakability of the material.

sensitive fabric

Focuses on the material's susceptibility to damage or reaction.

breakable matter

Highlights the material's tendency to shatter or crack.

fine-spun textile

Specifically refers to delicate woven materials.

sheer fabric

Describes a thin and translucent material.

brittle composition

Indicates a material that is easily crumbled or broken.

flimsy construct

Suggests a weakly built or fragile item.

tender medium

Emphasizes the material's vulnerability and need for gentle handling.

unstable element

Highlights the material's potential to degrade or change easily.

susceptible component

Focuses on the material's vulnerability to external influences.

FAQs

How can I use "delicate material" in a sentence?

You can use "delicate material" to describe something that needs careful handling. For example: "The antique vase was made of a "delicate material" and required special packaging."

What's a good substitute for "delicate material"?

Alternatives include "fragile substance", "sensitive fabric", or "breakable matter", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "delicate material" or "delicate matter"?

"Delicate material" is generally used to refer to physical objects or substances. "Delicate matter" is more often used in a figurative sense to describe sensitive issues or topics.

What makes a material "delicate"?

A material is "delicate" if it's easily damaged, requires careful handling, or is sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity.