material environments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material environments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physical spaces, settings, or conditions that have tangible, physical characteristics. Example: "The study focused on how material environments influence human behavior and social interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In Howe's work, words mingle with the material environments that they describe.

The New Yorker

We need to acknowledge that such workplaces need to be understood as digital material environments and therefore hold the potential to become digital learning environments.

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

In contrast, a great part of Camus' and Sartre's literary work is dedicated to describing the difficulties that people face when trying to find their place, not just in their social, but also in their natural and material environments.

SEP

In this article we argue that the introduction of digital video pedagogy into dynamic workplaces with fast-changing social and material environments, can (if carefully implemented) bring radical forms of positive change.

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

Our biology has made us into creatures who are constantly re-creating our own psychic and material environments, and whose individual lives are the outcomes of an extraordinary multiplicity of intersecting causal pathways.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

In this article we examine the introduction of digital video pedagogy into dynamic workplaces with fast-changing social and material environments, and discuss its potential to participate in producing forms of positive change.

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This economic dynamic means that people will not necessarily notice a dramatic change in their material environment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The archbishop argues this mindset creates new demand for goods and thus new demands on a limited material environment for energy sources and raw materials.

The Guardian

And it would be dangerously illusory to imagine that this material environment will adjust itself at all costs so as to maintain our relationship to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is necessary to human existence as physical organisms that consciousness of the material environment should be forced upon human beings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Beyond Ms. Monk's responsibility for the music and Ms. Hamilton's construction of what she calls "the material environment," the women have been intent on making all the decisions together.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of surroundings on human behavior or health, use "material environments" to emphasize the tangible and physical elements influencing those effects.

Common error

Avoid using "material environments" when the context requires a more specific term like "ecosystems" or "built environments". Be precise in your word choice to accurately reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material environments" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the physical and tangible aspects of the surroundings, as seen in Ludwig's examples related to workplaces and learning environments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "material environments" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes the physical and tangible aspects of surroundings. While not extremely common, it appears consistently in formal and scientific contexts, often in discussions about the impact of these surroundings on human behavior and learning. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English and suggests that it's useful when discussing physical spaces or settings with tangible characteristics. When using the term, consider alternatives like "physical surroundings" or "tangible settings" for varied expression. Finally, be sure to use it in contexts that require a specific and precise term for the tangible aspects of an environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical surroundings

This alternative emphasizes the tangible, physical aspects of the environment, similar to "material environments" but with a broader scope.

tangible settings

This alternative highlights the concrete and perceptible nature of the environment, focusing on elements that can be touched or experienced directly.

built environments

This alternative specifically refers to environments created or modified by humans, such as buildings and infrastructure, adding a layer of human agency.

natural surroundings

This alternative contrasts with "material environments" by emphasizing environments that are not man-made or heavily modified, focusing on natural elements.

material conditions

This alternative emphasizes the state or circumstances of the material aspects of an environment, focusing on factors that influence its quality or function.

ecological contexts

This alternative broadens the scope to include the interactions between organisms and their environment, encompassing both biotic and abiotic factors.

living spaces

This alternative narrows the focus to environments inhabited by living beings, highlighting the relationship between organisms and their surroundings.

urban landscapes

This alternative specifically refers to the visual features and characteristics of urban environments, focusing on their aesthetic and spatial qualities.

domestic interiors

This alternative refers to the environments inside homes or residences, encompassing the design, furnishings, and atmosphere of these spaces.

working environments

This alternative refers to the settings in which work is performed. "Material environments" can be part of the broader "working environments".

FAQs

How can I use "material environments" in a sentence?

You can use "material environments" to discuss how physical surroundings impact various aspects of life. For example, "The study examined how different "material environments" affect learning outcomes."

What is the difference between "material environments" and "physical environments"?

"Material environments" emphasizes the tangible and physical aspects of a setting. "Physical environments" is broader and can include intangible aspects. Depending on the context, the phrase "physical environments" might be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "material environments" in academic writing?

Use "material environments" when discussing the concrete, tangible aspects of a setting and their direct influence on a specific phenomenon. It's particularly relevant in fields like environmental science, architecture, and sociology.

What are some alternatives to "material environments" that I can use?

Depending on the context, consider using "physical surroundings", "tangible settings", or "built environments". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.