fabric

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fabric" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to cloth or material that has been made by weaving together threads of wool, cotton, or other material. For example: "My grandmother's quilt was made from colorful fabrics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can clearly see the speed and assurance of Schiele's execution, the uninhibited flow of the hand, denoting – in a few quick seconds of activity – tumbling curls of hair or crumpled fabric, or the fluid confluence of flank and hip and thigh.

The Guardian - Arts

We had our first order within half an hour of launching the business – we were really excited and then realised it was for a material swatch [samples of fabric].

The Guardian

Smith's work explores the difficulties faced by the remote community and also looks at the cultural fabric that remains in the face of those challenges.

The Guardian

Experts found "substantial contamination" here too, on chairs and a green fabric cover.

The Guardian

The BBC is not like a newspaper or any other TV channel; it produces 40 hours of output for every hour of real time, day and night, and is woven into the fabric of national life.

The Guardian

Whether or not Moore takes credit, his electro house and amped-up dubstep sound has found its way into the fabric of American subculture in a way no other rave genre has before.

The Guardian - Music

Each triangle consists of two layers of fabric.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And it also undermines a lot of the culture, the fabric of life, the sense of self-determination …We made this devil's bargain on rice.

The Guardian - Opinion

As shadow culture minister, I am in no doubt that it is my task to remind the government that they have a responsibility to protect the foundations and fabric of our culture and arts, and also to recognise its potential for our next generation of creative thinkers.

The Guardian

Because all these different threads will shape not only the next government, but will weave together the fabric of the UK for many years to come.

The Guardian

From her mother, a seamstress, she inherited an interest in fabric and design.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In more abstract usage, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to the literal woven material or a figurative structure.

Common error

Avoid using "fabric" in abstract contexts without establishing a clear connection to the underlying concept being described. For instance, rather than simply saying "the fabric of society is changing", specify which aspects are changing, such as "the economic fabric of society is shifting due to globalization".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fabric" is as a noun, referring to a woven material or, metaphorically, the structure of something. Ludwig AI validates this usage, noting its role in constructing sentences related to both tangible materials and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fabric" functions primarily as a noun with both literal and metaphorical applications. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage and this word appears frequently in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Opinion contexts, with the Guardian being a particularly authoritative source. Remember to consider the context when using "fabric", ensuring that it clearly conveys either a material or a structural concept. By being mindful of these nuances, you can effectively integrate "fabric" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

textile material

Refers specifically to the type of material, emphasizing its woven nature.

woven material

Highlights the weaving process involved in creating the fabric.

cloth material

A more general term, applicable to a wide range of fabrics.

material

A broader term encompassing any substance or stuff from which things can be made.

social structure

When referring to abstract concepts like social cohesion or community bonds.

cultural identity

Focuses on the cultural importance and significance of the core values of a community.

basic texture

Emphasizes the surface quality or feel of the material.

underlying structure

Points to the foundational arrangement or organization of something.

material composition

Highlights the elements and substances that make up the physical material.

structural integrity

Emphasizes the robustness and soundness of the arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "fabric" in a sentence?

You can use "fabric" to refer to a material made of woven fibers, as in "This dress is made of silk fabric." Or, you can use it metaphorically to describe the structure of something, like "the social fabric of a community".

What does "fabric" mean when referring to society?

When referring to society, "fabric" typically means the underlying structure or composition of that society, including its customs, institutions, and relationships. It's similar to the idea of "social structure".

What are some synonyms for "fabric" as a material?

Synonyms for "fabric" as a material include "textile", "cloth", and "material". The choice depends on the specific context. For example, "textile" is often used in an industrial context, while "cloth" is more common in everyday conversation.

Is it correct to say "the fabric of reality"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "the fabric of reality" is often used metaphorically in science and philosophy to describe the fundamental structure of the universe or existence, similar to the phrase "underlying structure".