kind of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a type or category of material in various contexts, such as art, construction, or textiles. Example: "The artist prefers to work with a kind of material that allows for flexibility and texture in her sculptures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We never distributed any kind of material.

The New York Times

There is an immediate appeal to this kind of material.

The New York Times - Arts

-What kind of material does this type of eruption expel?

The New York Times

A person is just a certain kind of material object.

Yale University

— "See the Moon?" (1966) The visual artist can deal with almost every kind of material, even sound, but the writer deals with only one kind of material: sentences.

The New Yorker

As a director, of course, Mr. Spielberg can work magic with this kind of material.

The New York Times - Arts

Diebenkorn wasn't Chardin but he could give ordinary things a kind of material solidity and presence.

The Guardian - Arts

If you're dealing with that kind of material, you have to know what you're doing.

The Guardian

People should use common sense and not put this kind of material in the mail".

The New York Times

"They will do an excavation to try to find that kind of material," Dr. Blake said.

The New York Times

That could be done until the right kind of material becomes available next year.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "kind of material" followed by descriptive adjectives to provide more specific information, such as "a kind of durable material".

Common error

Avoid using "kind of material" as a vague substitute for more precise terminology. If possible, specify the material's exact name or composition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a descriptor or classifier within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote a category or type of substance. The examples show its role in identifying the composition or nature of objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of material" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase for describing the composition or type of a substance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from formal scientific discussions to informal conversations. While it is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, it's essential to consider the level of precision needed and to avoid vagueness by specifying the material whenever possible. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "type of substance" or "composition of material". By understanding its usage patterns and appropriate contexts, you can effectively integrate "kind of material" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

type of substance

Focuses on the inherent composition of the material. Uses 'substance' instead of 'material'.

sort of material

Replaces "kind" with "sort", offering a more informal tone but maintaining the same meaning.

type of stuff

Uses "stuff" for a more casual, less precise reference to material.

form of matter

Emphasizes the physical state and composition of the material. More scientifically oriented.

category of material

Highlights the classification aspect, grouping materials based on shared characteristics.

variety of material

Suggests a range or selection within the broader concept of material.

class of substance

Similar to "type of substance", but may imply a more formal or scientific context.

grade of material

Specifies the quality or rank of the material, often used in manufacturing or construction.

species of material

Suggests a specific instance or example within a larger group of materials.

composition of material

Focuses on the constituent parts that make up the material.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of material" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of material" to describe the composition of an object, as in "What "kind of material" is the building made of?" or "This shirt is made of a soft "kind of material".

What's a more formal way to say "kind of material"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "type of substance", "form of matter", or "composition of material" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify the "kind of material"?

While not always necessary, specifying the ""kind of material"" adds clarity and precision to your writing. It is particularly useful when describing properties or characteristics related to the material's composition.

What can I say instead of "kind of material" when being less formal?

You can use alternatives like "sort of material" or "type of stuff" for a more relaxed and conversational tone.