found material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to material that has been discovered or obtained, often in the context of research or investigation. Example: "The researchers presented their findings based on the found material from the excavation site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They found material there and removed items.

The Guardian

Found material and assorted organic forms cover the surfaces.

The New York Times - Arts

The found material -- cardboard -- forms a loose labyrinthine maze that fills the gallery.

The New York Times - Arts

Second, they were vulnerable to spin when the Republicans found material to keep the stereotypes going.

The Guardian - Business

The goal was to make absurd, experimental work, often with found material.

The New Yorker

It found "material shortcomings in the effectiveness of how firms are governing with-profits funds".

The Guardian - Money

Sidney Blumenthal's Lincoln series is also fascinating, because he's found material that was new to me.

The New York Times - Books

We will focus, in short, on the forms in which religious worldviews found material expression.

Columbia University

During the raid on Golan's apartment last March, Ganor found material from archeological sites all over Israel.

The New Yorker

Wehrli is an artist whose use of found material and intervention is transparent (and indeed relies on this transparency).

The Guardian

Harrison relies on found material, "dialogue you've heard on the bus", to ground the far-away worlds he creates.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing artistic mediums, use "found material" to describe unconventional items incorporated into artwork, like discarded objects or natural elements.

Common error

Avoid using "found material" when referring to readily available or commonly known information. The phrase is most effective when describing items or resources that required discovery or specific effort to locate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found material" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a direct object or subject complement. It describes items or resources that have been discovered or located. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from artistic creation to police investigations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "found material" is a versatile phrase widely used to describe resources or objects that have been discovered or located. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, academic, and artistic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects items requiring discovery, not just readily available information. Alternatives like "discovered resource" or "acquired substance" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Located item

Simply indicates that something has been found.

Discovered resource

Emphasizes the act of uncovering something valuable.

Acquired substance

Focuses on the process of obtaining a particular matter or element.

Recovered object

Emphasizes the retrieval of a lost or hidden object.

Retrieved element

Highlights the recovery of a specific component.

Uncovered information

Highlights the revealing of previously unknown details.

Unearthed resource

Suggests a more extensive or archaeological discovery.

Detected substance

Focuses on the finding of a specific chemical or element.

Disclosed data

Implies the revealing of information.

Identified components

Focuses on recognizing and naming different parts.

FAQs

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

You can use "found material" to describe discovered resources, objects used in art, or evidence located during an investigation. For example: "The artist incorporated "recycled items", or found material, into his sculptures."

What can I say instead of "found material"?

You can use alternatives like "discovered resource", "acquired substance", or "retrieved element" depending on the context.

What is "found material" in the context of art?

In art, "found material" refers to objects or items that are not traditionally considered art supplies but are incorporated into artworks. This can include things like trash, natural objects, or "recycled items".

Is it correct to say "founded material" instead of "found material"?

No, "founded material" is not a correct alternative. "Founded" means established or based, which is different from the meaning of discovering or locating material.