is material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is significant, relevant, or important to a particular subject or situation. Example: "The evidence presented in court is material to the case and must be considered by the jury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What is material information?

The New York Times

Art is material and spirit.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is material in my mind, sir".

The New York Times

"The only difference is material and scale.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is material for another study.

The Economist

But interpretations of what is "material" vary.

The Guardian

"This is material for an adult".

The New York Times - Arts

There is material for a campaign song here.

The New Yorker

"Collodion is material used to make scars," he told me.

The New Yorker

"They think all we want is material," Mufead said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

at the top.'s is material-gs = is 2 light tubes.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or financial matters, "is material" often implies that the information is significant enough to influence a decision.

Common error

Avoid using "is material" in very casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is important" or "is relevant" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is material" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective. It asserts that the subject possesses the quality of being important or relevant. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase appears in various contexts to emphasize significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is material" is a versatile expression used to denote significance or relevance across a wide range of contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and wiki sources, indicating its widespread applicability. While grammatically correct and highly common, it's best suited for neutral to formal registers. Remember to reserve it for situations where emphasizing importance is key and avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is relevant

Focuses on pertinence to the matter at hand.

is significant

Highlights the noteworthiness and impact.

comprises material

Stresses the inclusion of specific elements within the substance.

constitutes material

Focuses on the components that form the substance, emphasizing composition rather than mere relevance.

is important

Emphasizes the high value or criticality.

represents material

Highlights the symbolic or indicative nature of the substance.

is substantive

Indicates importance and considerable value.

forms material

Emphasizes the creation or assembly of a substance.

is crucial

Highlights the essential nature and critical importance.

amounts to material

Emphasizes the quantity or extent of the substance.

FAQs

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

You can use "is material" to indicate that something is significant or relevant. For example, "The evidence presented in court "is material" to the case."

What's a less formal alternative to "is material"?

Alternatives include "is important", "is relevant", or "is significant". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "is material" and "is relevant"?

While similar, "is material" often implies a higher degree of importance or impact than "is relevant". Something that is material can significantly influence a decision or outcome, whereas something that "is relevant" simply relates to the matter at hand.

In what contexts is "is material" most appropriate?

"Is material" is frequently used in legal, financial, and academic settings where precision and emphasis on importance are crucial. It's less common in informal conversations.