discarded matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discarded matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to materials or substances that have been thrown away or are no longer considered useful. Example: "The environmental impact of discarded matter in landfills is a growing concern for many communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Here a row of clanking machines big green metal containers removes the unwanted coarse hair and the dirt: Lamb bent down under one machine to draw out a handful of the discarded matter, and it looked like the residue in a shower drain after a Superbowl team has cleaned off.

The New Yorker

Here a row of clanking machines — big green metal containers — removes the unwanted coarse hair and the dirt: Lamb bent down under one machine to draw out a handful of the discarded matter, and it looked like the residue in a shower drain after a Superbowl team has cleaned off.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

www.solaredge.com Sector 1 - Energy generation Sector 2 - Biofuels Employees: 60 Solazyme creates its biofuel products by placing algae and other discarded plant matter into kettles for brewing into algal blooms (rapid growths of algae in an aquatic system), which is then harvested as an oil, using a variety of algae strains.

The Guardian

Moreover, the inclusion of such topics as astrology and magic was surprisingly prevalent and only began to disappear after the publication of Liber floridus (c. 1120; "The Flowering Book"), by Lambert, a canon of Saint-Omer, a work that discarded practical matters in favour of metaphysical discussion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was an astounding constitutional reading, or misreading, as original as Citizens United, and as idiosyncratic as the reasoning in Bush v. Gore, which found a conclusive principle designed to be instantly discarded — or, for that matter, as the readiness among the court's right wing to overturn a health-care law passed by a supermajority of the legislature over a typo.

The New Yorker

Sharma and Biswas (2013) insightfully discussed this matter and discarded the inverse models that virtually extend into the air when the simulated-annealing global optimization inversion method is used (see the "Background" section).

Earth, Planets and Space

The supernatant was discarded and the dry matter content of the harvested cells was determined.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Under pressure from the hawks such as Mr Cheney and Mr Gingrich, those officers became reluctant to discard anything, no matter how far-fetched.

The Guardian

It ignores the fact that managers might discard information no matter how good it is, that they have various biases, and that they might not have the cognitive ability to use information effectively.

Harvard Business Review

In the description of the other two fragments, there is not explicit reference to the discarded design alternatives, for a matter of brevity.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

Discarded soap could be a matter of life and death.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about environmental issues, use "discarded matter" to refer to the physical waste contributing to pollution or landfill problems. This phrase is more specific and less colloquial than alternatives like "trash" or "garbage".

Common error

Avoid using "discarded matter" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "trash" or "waste" are more appropriate for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discarded matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to physical substances that have been rejected or eliminated, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discarded matter" is a noun phrase used to refer to waste materials, often in contexts related to environmental issues or waste management. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and while its frequency is rare, it appears in a variety of sources, from news media to scientific publications. When more formality is required, consider using the term rather than common alternatives such as "waste material" or "garbage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waste material

Focuses on the material aspect of what is discarded, emphasizing its uselessness.

refuse

A general term for things thrown away, often implying worthlessness.

garbage

Common term for household waste, emphasizing its unsanitary nature.

trash

Another common term for waste, similar to garbage but slightly more general.

scrap

Implies leftover or remnant material, often from manufacturing or construction.

residue

What remains after a process or event, emphasizing the lingering presence of waste.

debris

Suggests scattered remnants, often after destruction or demolition.

litter

Refers to carelessly discarded waste, often in public places.

effluent

Specifically refers to liquid waste discharged into the environment.

byproduct

Material created during a production process and either not the primary product or simply a waste

FAQs

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

Use "discarded matter" to refer to waste materials or substances that have been thrown away. For example: "The improper disposal of discarded matter poses a significant environmental threat."

What's a good substitute for "discarded matter"?

Alternatives include "waste material", "refuse", or "garbage", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "discarded matter" formal language?

Yes, "discarded matter" is more formal than terms like "trash" or "litter". It's suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing where precision is important.

How does "discarded matter" differ from "recyclable material"?

"Discarded matter" refers to waste in general, while "recyclable material" specifically refers to waste that can be processed and reused. The difference lies in the potential for repurposing the "recyclable material".