fine particles

USAGE SUMMARY

"fine particles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing small pieces or particles of a substance, or to describe a very delicate or soft material. For example, "The air was full of fine particles of dust."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fine and ultra fine particles are specially toxic to cells [ 11].

BMC Oral Health

"It has all the characteristics -- fine particles and readily dispersible".

The New York Times

Buried within it are very fine particles of gold.

The Guardian

Feeding long alfalfa hay increased selective consumption of fine particles.

Journal of Dairy Science

(All the actual paper forms will be reduced to fine particles by shredders).

The New York Times - Tech

Inhaling fine particles in large amounts, from whatever source, can cause many health problems.

The New York Times

They said that until now, no state had imposed controls on such fine particles.

The New York Times

An earlier version referred to deaths linked to fine particles less than 2.5mm in diameter.

The Guardian

2. Strain vodka through fine sieve to remove celery seeds and fine particles.

The New York Times - Food

Water will cling to the fine particles in soil until it is completely saturated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Inhalation of these fine particles damages the kidneys, the immune system and the nervous system.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing air quality or environmental pollution, specify the size range of the "fine particles" (e.g. PM2.5) for clarity and scientific accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "fine particles" without context. Specify the type of material constituting the particles and, if relevant, their source. For example, instead of 'the air is polluted with fine particles', specify 'the air is polluted with fine particles of soot from industrial emissions'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fine particles" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows examples where it denotes small pieces of matter, particularly in scientific and environmental contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fine particles" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, particularly within scientific and news-related contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and its common association with describing minute components in various substances. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is often used to denote particulate matter in air pollution or describe the texture of materials. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the type and source of the particles for clarity. While similar phrases like "small particles" or "particulate matter" may serve as alternatives, the context usually dictates the best choice. Overall, "fine particles" is a versatile term for discussing materials at a microscopic level, particularly when precision and detail are required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small particles

Focuses on the size of the particles, similar to "fine particles" but without implying a specific degree of fineness.

minute particles

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the particles, implying they are barely visible.

tiny particles

Highlights the diminutive size of the particles, suitable for less formal contexts.

microscopic particles

Indicates that the particles are only visible with a microscope, emphasizing their size.

ultrafine particles

Refers to particles even smaller than "fine particles", often used in scientific contexts.

particulate matter

A more technical term often used in environmental science to describe airborne particles.

trace elements

Implies that the particles are present in very small quantities, often in a mixture.

powdered substance

Refers to a substance that has been ground into a fine, powdery form.

dust particles

Specifically refers to particles of dust, which are often fine and easily airborne.

atomized particles

Describes particles that have been broken down into a very fine spray or mist.

FAQs

How are "fine particles" typically measured in scientific studies?

In scientific studies, "fine particles" are often measured by their aerodynamic diameter, commonly referred to as PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less).

What are the primary sources of "fine particles" in urban environments?

The primary sources of "fine particles" in urban environments include combustion processes from vehicles and industrial activities.

What health risks are associated with inhaling "fine particles"?

Inhaling "fine particles" can cause various health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. In fine particles in your lung, plutonium can cause cancer. Other radioactive products of these nuclear reactors are isotopes of iodine and cesium.

Are there alternatives to the term "fine particles" when discussing air pollution?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "particulate matter" or "airborne particles".