discarded material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discarded material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items or substances that have been thrown away or are no longer wanted or needed. Example: "The construction site was littered with discarded material, including old wood and metal scraps."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Originals discarded; material available as digital facsimile only.

Yale University

We obtained this discarded material in the research lab approximately 3 5 hours post-retrieval.

Nature

Like many a great artist, Williams was not above reusing discarded material and reintroducing familiar motifs in new outfits.

The New York Times

WALL-E is a little robot, like Chaplin fused with the Modern Times machinery, whose job is to scuttle about on an abandoned planet salvaging discarded material.

The Guardian - Film

Controversy still surrounds that triumph, which knocked 12 seconds off the previous best, and 'sweepers' were employed to check the floor for 'covetly discarded material'.

The Guardian

A total of 24 tonnes of discarded material – including leftover food and medical materials as well as clothes – was being investigated.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Homesteaders immediately built shelters of discarded materials.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Two of the artists work entirely with discarded materials.

The New York Times - Arts

Reestore offers contemporary furniture build entirely from discarded materials.

The Guardian

Sculpture predominates, with several artists producing wall-based pieces from found and discarded materials.

The New York Times

The once-derelict houses he bought are highly stylised with discarded materials and merchandise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about environmental issues or recycling, using the phrase "discarded material" can add a level of specificity and professionalism to your writing, making it clear you're referring to waste that has been consciously disposed of, rather than simply 'trash' or 'garbage'.

Common error

While synonyms like "trash" or "garbage" might seem interchangeable with "discarded material", these terms often lack the precision needed in formal writing or scientific reports. Stick to "discarded material" when accuracy and clarity are paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discarded material" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to substances or items that have been thrown away or are no longer needed. As Ludwig examples show, it can appear in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discarded material" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to waste or refuse. According to Ludwig, it appears commonly in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when precision and objectivity are required, especially in professional or scientific settings. While there are synonyms like "waste products" and "scrap material", "discarded material" offers a specific and appropriate tone for many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waste products

Focuses on the byproducts of a process that are no longer useful.

refuse matter

Emphasizes the unwanted and rejected nature of the material.

waste matter

A general term for discarded substances.

scrap material

Highlights leftover or remnant pieces, often from manufacturing or construction.

rejected items

Focuses on the act of rejection and the status of the items.

unwanted goods

Emphasizes the lack of desire for the items.

leftover scraps

Refers specifically to small, remaining pieces after a process.

disposed items

Focuses on the action of disposing of the items.

salvaged materials

Materials that have been retrieved and repurposed from waste.

recyclable waste

Waste that is appropriate for recycling.

FAQs

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

You can use "discarded material" to refer to waste or refuse, as in, "The artist uses "recycled materials" and "discarded material" to create sculptures." or "The city is developing new methods for managing "discarded material"".

What is a more formal synonym for "discarded material"?

More formal synonyms for "discarded material" include "waste products", "refuse matter", or "waste matter", which are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is it correct to use "discarded material" in scientific writing?

Yes, "discarded material" is appropriate for scientific writing, especially when referring to byproducts of experiments or medical procedures. It's more precise than informal terms like "trash".

What's the difference between "discarded material" and "scrap material"?

"Discarded material" is a general term for waste. "Scrap material" specifically refers to leftover pieces from manufacturing or construction, which might still be usable or recyclable.