material of choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material of choice" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to the preferred or chosen material for a particular purpose or task. Example: "For the construction of the new bridge, steel was the material of choice due to its strength and durability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because Cyprus has no marble, limestone was the material of choice.

The New York Times - Arts

For especially erosive, corrosive, or high-temperature environments, however, they may be the material of choice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More and more designers are using cardboard as their material of choice.

Independent

Clay, painted to resemble royal sarcophagi, was the material of choice for budget-minded customers.

The New York Times - Arts

By the end of the 18th century, bamboo became the rod material of choice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under Evans, the palace site at Knossos was heavily restored using the modernist material of choice: concrete.

The Guardian - Arts

"Crystal is our material of choice, but it is by no means the only material we use," Ms. Delale said.

The New York Times

By the 1960s, however, better quality ore from Brazil and Sweden was the raw material of choice.

The Economist

Paper has replaced plastic as the grocery-carrying material of choice, along with reusable cloth tote bags.

The New York Times

Since then the metal became the magnetic refrigerant material of choice for numerous continuously operating laboratory magnetic refrigeration devices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The overwhelming biodegradable material-of-choice is bamboo, given its natural tensile strength and its ability to grow fast.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "material of choice", ensure the context clearly indicates why that specific material is preferred. Specifying the properties that make it suitable will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a material is the "material of choice" without explaining why. Provide specific reasons related to its properties, cost-effectiveness, or other relevant factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material of choice" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific substance that is preferred or most suitable for a particular application, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "material of choice" is a versatile term used to designate the preferred substance for a specific application. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, especially in science and news media. While widely applicable, clarity is crucial: always specify why a particular material holds this preference. Alternatives like "preferred material" or "go-to material" can provide similar meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed a standard expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

material of preference

Similar meaning, but uses "preference" instead of "choice".

preferred material

Focuses on the aspect of liking one material more than others.

favored substance

Highlights the idea of something being specially liked or preferred.

go-to material

Emphasizes the idea of something being the default option.

optimal material

Focuses on the material being the most suitable or best for a specific purpose.

standard material

Highlights the characteristic of being widely or commonly employed.

commonly used material

Highlights the characteristic of being widely employed.

primary component

Shifts the emphasis to the concept of the substance being the main ingredient.

selected substance

Emphasizes the act of choosing a particular material.

material most often used

Focuses on frequency of use.

FAQs

How can I use "material of choice" in a sentence?

You can use "material of choice" to indicate the preferred material for a particular application, as in "For high-temperature applications, ceramic is often the material of choice."

What are some alternatives to "material of choice"?

You can use alternatives like "preferred material", "favored substance", or "go-to material" depending on the specific context.

Is "material of choice" formal or informal?

"Material of choice" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, but it's essential to provide sufficient context for clarity.

What makes something the "material of choice"?

A material becomes the "material of choice" due to its superior performance, cost-effectiveness, availability, or other factors that make it the most suitable option for a particular application.