like materials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like materials" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing or referring to materials that share similar characteristics or properties. Example: "The engineer suggested using like materials to ensure compatibility in the construction process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Having access to "like" materials in each pile makes things easier.

WikiHow

Institutions, like materials, have secret lives.

The New Yorker

We need carbon atoms for many things, like materials, fuels, organic compounds and food.

The Guardian

Indeed, in the digital world, you aren't constrained by practicalities like materials and space, so imagination is your only limit.

The Guardian

Dr. Jackson said Rensselaer would build on its strengths in fields like materials, microelectronics and mathematical sciences.

The New York Times

The union also agreed to let Chrysler outsource peripheral jobs like materials handling and janitorial services.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In FA9, protons were preferentially binding to tryptophan-like materials than tyrosine-like materials.

Science of The Total Environment

In FA3, protons were preferentially binding to humic-like materials than fulvic-like materials.

Science of The Total Environment

This uses "energetic" but non-detonating rubber-like materials.

The Economist

Ivanovskii, A. L. Graphene-based and graphene-like materials.

Nature

These are jelly-like materials made up of a bundle of highly water-absorbent polymer chains.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials with similar functions or properties, use "like materials" to clearly indicate the comparison without implying identical composition.

Common error

Avoid using "like materials" when referring to materials that are vastly different; specify the shared characteristic to avoid confusion. For example, do not compare "steel" and "wood" with "like materials" but instead describe "building materials with structural strength."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like materials" functions as a modifier when describing or comparing items that possess shared qualities. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often appears in contexts requiring material selection or analysis, denoting similarity rather than exact duplication. This is consistent with the Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like materials" is grammatically sound and serves to indicate similarity in material properties or function. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds application across diverse contexts, with a stronger presence in scientific and news-related domains. When employing this phrase, ensure that the comparison is apt and clearly defined to prevent overgeneralization. For richer expression, consider alternatives such as "similar materials" or "comparable materials" to capture nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar materials

Replaces "like" with "similar", emphasizing the resemblance in properties.

comparable materials

Focuses on the comparability of the materials in terms of specific characteristics.

analogous materials

Suggests a direct analogy or correspondence between the materials.

materials with similar properties

Highlights the shared properties as the basis for comparison.

materials of a similar nature

Emphasizes the shared nature or origin of the materials.

materials resembling each other

Focuses on the visual or observable resemblance between the materials.

materials with alike characteristics

Highlights the shared characteristics of the materials.

materials of the same kind

Indicates that the materials belong to the same category or type.

matching materials

Implies that the materials are a perfect match or complement each other.

equivalent materials

Suggests that the materials can be substituted for each other without significant difference.

FAQs

How can I use "like materials" in a sentence?

You can use "like materials" to compare materials that share similar characteristics or properties. For example: "The engineer suggested using "similar materials" to ensure compatibility in the construction process."

What are some alternatives to saying "like materials"?

Alternatives include "similar materials", "comparable materials", or "analogous materials" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "like materials" or "as materials"?

"Like materials" is used to compare materials with similar properties. "As materials" is grammatically incorrect in this context; you might use "as building materials" to describe their function.

What's the difference between "like materials" and "similar materials"?

While both phrases indicate a resemblance, "like materials" implies a more general similarity, whereas ""similar materials"" explicitly states that the materials share common properties.