first material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial or primary substance or content in a specific context, such as in discussions about resources, production, or educational materials. Example: "In our project, we will focus on the first material needed for construction, which is concrete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Family comes first; material things are not important," she said.

The New York Times

The order is the first material step towards his goal of building the world's largest wind farm.

The Guardian

As Mr. Dumas puts it: "Leather is the first material tamed by Hermès and remains its noblest conquest".

The New York Times

The first material witness was a man of Middle Eastern descent who was stopped on Thursday night at Kennedy International Airport with a fake pilot's license.

The New York Times

If confirmed, it would make them the first material from outside the solar system to be brought to Earth for study.

The Guardian

Her first material was produced in the trip-hop vein, but her latest effort "Fisherman's Woman" showcases her haunting voice in a more acoustic setting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

First, materials essential to governing have to be recovered from collapsed public buildings, the officials said.

The New York Times

The first materials used to make objects for personal adornment were taken from the animal and vegetable world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, materials engineering can be employed; this allows for compensation doping or reduction of the intrinsic defects [9 11].

Nanoscale Research Letters

If the second material of the crystal is intended to be air, that is enough.

The Economist

Then, through a series of chemical steps, the even tinier gaps between the spheres are filled with a second material.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or experiment, use "first material" to clearly indicate the initial substance or component involved. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "first material" when you mean 'firstly' or 'initially'. "First material" refers specifically to a substance or component, not an order of actions or arguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first material" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a direct object or subject complement, designating an initial or primary substance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. It can also act adjectivally to describe something related to the initial substance. Examples showcase it describing components in scientific processes, the first artistic medium, or the earliest reminders of relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first material" correctly identifies an initial or primary substance or component, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is widely used across various domains, especially in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While its grammatical correctness is undisputed, choosing the right alternative, such as "initial substance" or "starting material", may improve precision. Remember, "first material" specifically refers to a substance, not an action. Therefore, use it thoughtfully to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting material

Highlights the material used as a starting point for a process or creation.

initial substance

Focuses on the foundational or primary substance involved.

primary content

Emphasizes the main or most important content presented initially.

earliest matter

Focuses on the chronological aspect of the material.

original element

Highlights the element that was present from the beginning.

fundamental component

Emphasizes the essential nature of the component.

preliminary matter

Suggests matter considered before anything else.

introductory substance

Focuses on the substance introduced at the beginning.

initial input

Emphasizes the material that is initially entered or contributed.

premier ingredient

Stresses the importance and initial position of the ingredient.

FAQs

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

You can use "first material" to refer to the initial or primary substance involved in a process. For example, "The "starting material" for the experiment was carefully selected".

What can I say instead of "first material"?

Alternatives include "initial substance", "primary content", or "original element", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "first material" and "introductory material"?

"First material" generally refers to a physical substance or component, while "introductory material" usually indicates content or information that is presented at the beginning of something.

Is "first material" the same as "starting material"?

While very similar, "first material" is a more general term. "Starting material" is typically used in the context of a process or experiment where something is being transformed or created.