mass of matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mass of matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific contexts to refer to the quantity of matter in an object or substance. Example: "The mass of matter in the universe is a fundamental concept in physics and cosmology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A soft, moist, shapeless mass of matter.

The Guardian - Film

A vast mass of matter it was, bulky, heavy, rushing without warning out of the black mystery of the sky into the radiance of the sun.

The Guardian

But it seems to me that he has as yet absolutely nothing to say and here accomplishes it with a mass of matter of quite inordinate length.

The Guardian - Film

The analysts tagged the star as "interesting " and "bizarre" because it was surrounded by a mass of matter in tight formation.

Independent

The wonderful translation from Seneca's Troas actually seems to draw sustenance from the prospect of nothingness: "Dead, we become the Lumber of the World/ And to that mass of matter shall be swept,/ Where things destroy'd, with things unborn, are kept".

The Guardian - Books

He observed the deviation of the force of gravity, measured on a high plateau, from that calculated on the basis of the elevation, and he correctly ascribed the effect to the mass of matter between his station and mean sea level.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Ms. Brown piles on the paint in Expressionist fashion to create heaving masses of matter, with a recognizable bunny or human form materializing here or there.

The New York Times - Arts

The customary sensations that buildings give us — of secure enclosure, of masses of matter firmly supported — are diluted by a black gap, a mere quarter inch wide, that runs along the bottom and top of every interior wall, and even at the base of weight-bearing pillars, so that everything, subtly, floats.

The New Yorker

While still in his 20s, he demonstrated his mastery of classical physics by writing a prizewinning essay on Saturn's rings, in which he concluded that the rings must consist of masses of matter not mutually coherent a conclusion that was corroborated more than 100 years later by the first Voyager space probe to reach Saturn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such masses of matter cannot change parts whatsoever.

SEP

On Grandy's function view, masses of matter such as some water are mere sums, and commonsense objects are identified as functions from times to masses of matter (1975).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations where precision is required, avoid using general terms like "stuff" or "material"; instead, opt for the more precise "mass of matter" to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "weight" when you actually mean "mass of matter". Weight is the force exerted on a mass due to gravity, while mass is the actual amount of substance. Use "mass" in space, where weight is negligible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mass of matter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the quantity of material composing a physical entity. Ludwig shows examples in diverse contexts, supporting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mass of matter" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, particularly within scientific, academic, and news contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives like ""quantity of matter"" exist, "mass of matter" emphasizes the measurable quantity of substance. Be mindful of distinguishing "mass" from "weight". In essence, "mass of matter" is a precise and valuable term for clearly denoting material quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quantity of matter

Emphasizes the amount or extent of matter present, providing a more direct alternative.

amount of substance

Focuses on the inherent material composing something, especially in chemistry or physics.

volume of material

Highlights the space occupied by the matter, useful when spatial dimensions are relevant.

body of material

Suggests a defined and coherent amount of matter, suitable in engineering or construction.

collection of particles

Deconstructs matter into its fundamental components, useful in physics and nanotechnology.

aggregate of stuff

Offers a more informal description for a collection of unspecified material.

heap of things

Implies a disorganized pile of matter, suitable in contexts describing disorder.

bulk of stuff

Emphasizes the size and density of the matter, useful in comparisons or estimations.

quantum of material

Refers to a discrete quantity of matter, often used in quantum physics.

elemental composition

Focuses on the makeup of matter, particularly in chemistry and material science.

FAQs

How can I use "mass of matter" in a scientific sentence?

In scientific writing, you can use "mass of matter" to precisely describe the amount of material in a system or object. For example: "The experiment measured the "quantity of matter" before and after the chemical reaction."

Is "mass of matter" interchangeable with "amount of matter"?

While similar, "mass of matter" specifically refers to the measurement of how much matter there is, whereas "amount of matter" is a more general term that can refer to either mass or volume.

What's the difference between "mass" and "mass of matter"?

"Mass" is the concise, technical term, while "mass of matter" provides a more descriptive phrase, particularly useful for ensuring clarity in less technical contexts or when introducing the concept. Although "mass" is shorter it could be confusing for readers without any scientific background.

When should I use "mass of matter" instead of a simpler term like "material"?

Use "mass of matter" when you need to emphasize the quantitative aspect of the material. "Material" is a more general term. When precision is key, "mass of matter" is more appropriate.