made of clay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'made of clay' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is constructed out of clay. For example, "The figurines were made of clay and painted with vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clay pigeons are discs made of clay that are launched up into the air with a flinger and are shot in mid-air.

WikiHow

Diana wasn't made of clay in your story.

The Washington Post

This is a mass of little bodies made of clay.

The Guardian - Arts

The living room fireplace made of clay is striking.

The New York Times

Impressionists' Camp seems as if it is made of clay.

The Guardian - Arts

By my desk there's an Olympic medal made of clay.

The Guardian

Made of clay, water, sand and sawdust, these are cheap and easy to build.

The Guardian

Houses are made of clay, and shops sell a rainbow of glazes.

The New York Times - Arts

The term means literally ware made of clay impressed with designs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Korean pottery, objects made of clay and hardened by heat: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain of Korea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The prison walls are made of clay, Built by a wasp to hide its young.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For scientific and technical writing, specify the type of clay if relevant (e.g., "made of kaolin clay"). This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Be specific about the type of clay if it is relevant to your context. Simply saying "made of clay" can be vague, especially in technical or scientific writing. Consider using phrases like "earthenware", "stoneware", or "porcelain" when describing specific types of clay-based objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made of clay" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to specify the material composition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in describing various objects and structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made of clay" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe items or structures constructed from clay. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, from describing pottery to building materials. Its frequency is very high, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science-related content. When using "made of clay", consider whether specifying the type of clay is relevant for clarity. While alternatives such as "constructed from clay" and "clay-based" exist, "made of clay" remains a straightforward and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constructed from clay

Focuses on the act of building or assembling something using clay.

formed from clay

Highlights the shaping or molding process using clay.

fashioned out of clay

Emphasizes the artistic or skillful creation using clay.

composed of clay

Indicates that clay is a constituent element of the object.

clay-based

Describes something that primarily consists of or is derived from clay.

clay composition

Highlights clay as the component that makes up an object.

clay-derived

Implies that the object or substance originates from clay.

clay material

This alternative indicates that clay is the main material or substance.

clay medium

Focuses on clay as the substance used by an artist or craftsman.

of clay construction

This alternative focuses on the act of building with clay.

FAQs

How can I use "made of clay" in a sentence?

You can use "made of clay" to describe objects or structures constructed from clay. For example, "The pottery was "made of clay" and fired in a kiln" or "The ancient walls were "made of clay" bricks".

What are some alternatives to saying "made of clay"?

Alternatives include "constructed from clay", "formed from clay", or "clay-based". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "made from clay" instead of "made of clay"?

Both "made of clay" and "made from clay" are generally acceptable. "Made of clay" usually refers to physical composition, while "made from clay" can refer to a transformation of the material. In most contexts, they are interchangeable, but "made of clay" is preferred.

What is the difference between something "made of clay" and something "made with clay"?

Something "made of clay" implies that clay is the primary or only material. Something "made with clay" suggests that clay is one of several materials used. For example, a sculpture "made of clay" is primarily clay, while a brick "made with clay" might contain other materials like sand or straw.