external acid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external acid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to chemistry, biology, or any discussion involving substances that are acidic and originate from outside a system or organism. Example: "The experiment was designed to test the effects of external acid on plant growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

FTIR experiments and catalytic tests allowed also characterizing the surface acidity of the starting amorphous mesostructured aluminosilicate precursor and the external acid sites of crystalline ZSM-5 zeolite.

Applied Catalysis A: General

External acid sites could be successfully inactivated using the proposed method.

Journal of Catalysis

Ceria-modification is an effective method for the deactivation of external acid sites of H-mordenite (HM).

Catalysis Today

This enhancement in the isomerization reaction may be due to the narrow-down of the pore mouth of the catalyst, by blocking some external acid sites.

Applied Petrochemical Research

The fraction of external acid sites of BBLM zeolite composite, represented by the percentage of active sites accessible to bulky organic base molecules, decreases with increasing MFI component.

Applied Catalysis A: General

To examine the catalysis by external acid sites, experiments were conducted over NU-87 with external surface poisoned by 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane.

Catalysis Today

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Genes regulated both by benzoate and by external-acid are good candidates for mediation by cytoplasmic pH.

Plosone

The comparison of benzoate and external-acid response genes was analyzed further by hierarchical cluster analysis and TreeView visualization (Fig. 5; see Table S1C for full gene annotation).

Plosone

Comparison was limited by the many differences in experimental design, most notably the salicylic acid time course which induced general stress responses (CtsR, SigB); the concomitant external-acid shock; and the use of a different growth medium.

Plosone

Both conditions incur a significant decrease of cytoplasmic pH, but the benzoate experiment maintains external pH 7. Thus, the overlap between benzoate and external-acid transcriptomes may represent a "cytoplasmic pH" transcriptome.

Plosone

We followed up our measurements with a transcriptomic study of benzoate adaptation at external pH 7, conducted under conditions enabling direct comparison with the external-acid adaptation transcriptome [31].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing chemical reactions or biological processes, specify the type of "external acid" (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid) for clarity. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "external acid" without context. Always clarify the source or type of acid, especially in scientific writing. Instead of just saying "external acid affected the reaction", specify "hydrochloric acid from the atmosphere affected the reaction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external acid" functions as a noun phrase where "external" modifies the noun "acid". It describes an acid originating from outside a particular system or environment. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples in scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external acid" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in scientific contexts. It serves to specify that an acid originates from outside a defined system, distinguishing it from internally produced acids. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous examples. When using the term, ensure you provide sufficient context regarding the type and source of the acid. Avoid overgeneralization by specifying the exact nature of the "external acid" to maintain clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives like "exogenous acid" or "introduced acid" based on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acid from external source

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the origin of the acid.

exogenous acid

Replaces "external" with "exogenous", indicating origin from outside the organism or system.

externally introduced acid

Combines the notions of external origin and introduction.

outside acid

A simpler, more direct alternative using common vocabulary.

introduced acid

Focuses on the act of bringing the acid into a system from the outside.

applied acid

Focuses on the action of applying acid from an external source.

environmental acid

Highlights the acid's presence in the surrounding environment.

foreign acid

Suggests an acid that is not typically found within the system.

surface acid

Refers to acid present on the outer surface of a material.

non-intrinsic acid

Emphasizes that the acid is not a natural part of the system.

FAQs

How is "external acid" typically used in scientific writing?

"External acid" is generally used to describe an acid that is introduced into a system from an outside source, often in the context of chemical reactions, biological processes, or environmental studies. For instance, it might refer to acid rain affecting a lake's pH or an acid used in a laboratory experiment.

What are some situations where I might use the term "external acid"?

You might use "external acid" when discussing the impact of pollutants on ecosystems, describing experimental conditions in a chemistry lab, or explaining how industrial processes affect the pH of nearby water sources. Consider alternatives like "environmental acid" or "introduced acid" depending on the context.

Is "external acid" a formal or informal term?

"External acid" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is most frequently encountered in scientific or technical writing. In more casual settings, you might opt for simpler terms like "outside acid", but in academic or professional documents, "external acid" provides the necessary precision.

How does "external acid" differ from an "internal acid"?

"External acid" refers to an acid originating from outside a system, while an "internal acid" is produced or exists within the system itself. For example, stomach acid is an internal acid, whereas "environmental acid" rain is an external acid affecting a lake.