living matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "living matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific or philosophical contexts to refer to biological entities or substances that exhibit life characteristics. Example: "The study of living matter is essential for understanding the complexities of ecosystems and the interdependence of species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

These elements, both the uncommon ones and those as common as phosphorus, are much more concentrated in living matter than in the environment where the living matter resides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Active fluid models for living matter.

Stanford University

Transitions from nonliving to living matter.

Nature

The Functional Inertia of Living Matter.

Nature

Nitrogen is part of all living matter.

The New York Times - Science

BIOE 80. Introduction to Bioengineering (Engineering Living Matter). 4 Units.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Non-living matter can be brought to life with no need for lightning, a vital essence or a god.

The Economist

To me gene without membrane is non-living matter.

Huffington Post

Intelligence, by contrast, involves the capacity to shape non-living matter".

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Further issues concern the moral status of synthetic organisms in relation to natural living organisms and non-living matter [ 35].

EMBO Reports

Unlike common engineering materials, living matter can autonomously respond to environmental changes.

Mechanics Research Communications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the composition of living organisms, use "living matter" to emphasize the physical substance rather than just the concept of life. For example, use it when describing chemical processes within organisms or the distribution of elements in the biosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "living matter" when you intend to discuss the abstract concept of life or its qualities. "Living matter" refers to the physical substance, while "life" encompasses broader characteristics such as consciousness, reproduction, and evolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "living matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it refers to biological substances or entities that exhibit life characteristics. It is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

24%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "living matter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, especially in scientific and encyclopedic contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig. It specifically refers to the physical substance that constitutes living organisms, making it distinct from the abstract concept of "life". When writing, it's important to use "living matter" when discussing the composition, processes, or material aspects of living organisms. However, avoid using it when referring to the qualities or broader implications of life itself. Alternatives include "biotic material" and "organic substance", each offering a subtle shift in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biotic material

Replaces "matter" with "material", focusing on the biological aspect.

organic substance

Emphasizes the carbon-based composition of living organisms.

biological entities

Shifts the focus to individual living beings rather than undifferentiated "matter".

animate objects

Highlights the property of being alive and moving.

extant organisms

Focuses on organisms that are currently living and haven't gone extinct.

biota

A collective term for the animals, plants, and other organisms of a particular region or habitat.

life forms

A broader term that encompasses all types of living things.

biomass

Refers to the total mass of living organisms in a given area or volume.

cellular organisms

Emphasizes the cellular structure of living matter.

flora and fauna

Specifically refers to plants (flora) and animals (fauna).

FAQs

How is "living matter" different from "non-living matter"?

"Living matter" exhibits characteristics like responsiveness, growth, metabolism, energy transformation, and reproduction, while non-living matter does not possess these attributes. The distinction embodies the crucial difference between dead and living matter.

What is an example of "living matter"?

Examples of "living matter" include plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. These organisms all consist of biological substances that exhibit the characteristics of life.

What role does carbon play in "living matter"?

Carbon is a fundamental element in "living matter", forming the backbone of organic molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. The source of carbon in living matter is carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air or dissolved in water.

What are some alternatives to "living matter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "biotic material", "organic substance", or "biological entities". Each alternative subtly shifts the focus, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.