material or immaterial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material or immaterial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or items that can be classified as either tangible (material) or intangible (immaterial). Example: "In our discussion about the project, we need to consider both material or immaterial factors that could influence its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

If our brains and intelligence could not have arisen through natural causes, how did the superior brain (whatever material or immaterial essence that organ might consist of) and intelligence of the designer arise?

The New York Times

Although what is considered a "resource" (or, for that matter, "natural") has varied over time and from one society to another, resources are, ultimately, riches provided by nature from which can be derived some form of benefit, whether material or immaterial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Locke's account is officially neutral in regard to whether "the substance that thinks in us" is material or immaterial, simple or compounded.

SEP

It was in his correspondence with Descartes that he first expounded his view that all substance, whether material or immaterial, is extended.

SEP

Much of Locke's chapter Identity and Diversity is dedicated to establishing that the self is not a substance, material or immaterial.

SEP

The new indicator is the extended exergy cost, eeC, and is a measure of the primary (exergy) resources embodied in a material or immaterial product.

Ecological Indicators

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Social facts can be material (physical objects) or immaterial (meanings, sentiments, etc).

Wikipedia

The mind-body union and the essential intentionality which results from it create the mutual dependence of the operations of mind and matter without requiring that mind be material or matter be immaterial.

SEP

An analytical behaviourist, on the other hand, argues that, in talking about the mind, one is not talking about an actual entity, whether material (e.g., the brain) or immaterial (e.g., the soul); rather, one is somehow talking about the way in which people would behave in various circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But since it is impossible to conceive of material particles or of species or immaterial qualities which can pass from one of these substances into the other, the view must be rejected" (GP iv, 498f).

SEP

MaterialObject would remain consistent as long as we do not explicitly state that there is nothing that can be both a material and an immaterial object: Immaterial Object ⊑ ¬ MaterialObject (with ¬ being the negation operator 'not'not

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "material or immaterial", ensure the context clearly distinguishes between tangible and intangible aspects. This phrasing is particularly useful in philosophical, economic, and design discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "material or immaterial" when a more precise term like "tangible or intangible" or "physical or conceptual" would better suit the context. Vague usage can obscure the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material or immaterial" functions as a disjunctive adjective phrase. It is used to categorize or describe something by indicating that it can belong to one of two mutually exclusive categories: either having physical substance (material) or lacking it (immaterial). As Ludwig confirms, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "material or immaterial" correctly serves as a disjunctive adjective phrase, categorizing aspects based on tangibility. Ludwig confirms its grammatical soundness. Its usage is most common in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, leaning toward a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "tangible or intangible" and "physical or non-physical". When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such a broad categorization. Avoid using it when more precise terminology would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangible or intangible

Replaces "material" with "tangible" and "immaterial" with "intangible", focusing on the physical versus non-physical nature.

physical or non-physical

Emphasizes the presence or absence of physical form.

concrete or abstract

Shifts the focus to the perceived reality versus conceptual existence.

corporeal or incorporeal

Uses more formal terms to distinguish between entities with and without a body.

palpable or impalpable

Highlights the ability to be touched or sensed versus being beyond physical sensation.

sensible or insensible

Focuses on whether something is perceptible to the senses.

real or conceptual

Contrasts actual existence with purely theoretical or mental constructs.

substantial or insubstantial

Emphasizes the degree of substance or reality.

objective or subjective

Shifts the perspective to whether something exists independently of perception or within it.

visible or invisible

Highlights the ability to be seen.

FAQs

How can I use "material or immaterial" in a sentence?

You can use "material or immaterial" to describe aspects, goods, or resources that can be either tangible or intangible. For example, "The company considered both "material or immaterial" assets in its valuation."

What are some alternatives to "material or immaterial"?

Alternatives include "tangible or intangible", "physical or non-physical", and "concrete or abstract". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "material or immaterial"?

It's appropriate when discussing the broad categories of things that have physical substance versus those that do not, particularly in philosophical, economic, or design-related contexts. It is useful when a more specific differentiation is not required.

What's the difference between "material or immaterial" and "tangible or intangible"?

"Material or immaterial" broadly distinguishes between physical substance and its absence. "Tangible or intangible" emphasizes whether something can be touched or directly perceived. While similar, "tangible or intangible" often has a more practical, sensory connotation.