matrix

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matrix" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various fields such as mathematics, computer science, and organizational structures to refer to a grid-like arrangement or framework. Example: "The data was organized into a matrix to facilitate analysis and visualization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Blair era marks the movement of the Murdoch family into a key position in the political matrix.

The Guardian - Opinion

Behind a glass of Guinness a local businessman draws a matrix.

The Guardian

Humanure composting is simple and elegant; it doesn't require a special toilet seat, or tubing to divert urine from the compost matrix.

The Guardian

Smart gels contain water or some other fluid within a matrix of chain-like polymer molecules, and respond to changes in temperature, light, and various other forces and stimuli with dramatic changes in size or shape.

The Guardian

Lin Bin, Xiaomi co-founder, told a press conference – the company's first significant event for media in the US – that intellectual property was "not the most important matrix".

The Guardian - Tech

The scapegoating of LGBTI people and other "deviants" deflects from this inter-connected matrix of issues in which all Africans have a stake.

The Guardian

In one giant building, known as the "matrix", packages zoom around on 300 miles of conveyor belts.

The Economist

"It is about the matrix of the Russian state and its survival.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They are getting close, particularly with the active-matrix version used in AMOLED displays on smartphones.

The Economist

Companies establish matrix-management systems to deal with globalisation, appoint task-forces to examine new technologies, and add ever longer meetings until employees' brains try to gnaw their way out of their skulls.

The Economist

At the same time, he announced a radical internal reorganisation of the company, breaking up Compaq's complex matrix-management structure into three product groups and an over-arching sales organisation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data arrangements or mathematical concepts, use "matrix" to clearly convey the idea of a structured, rectangular array. For example, "Analyze the data using a correlation matrix."

Common error

Avoid using "matrix" loosely to describe any general structure; reserve it for situations involving precise arrangements like data tables or mathematical representations. Instead of saying "the matrix of social interactions", consider more general terms like "network" or "framework".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "matrix" is as a noun. It refers to a rectangular array of elements (like numbers or data) or the substance within which something else is contained or embedded. Ludwig confirms its use in diverse contexts, aligning with its definition as a structured arrangement or foundational environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "matrix" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a structured array or an embedding environment. As Ludwig's examples show, its usage spans mathematical contexts, scientific domains, and organizational structures. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's crucial to apply "matrix" appropriately to avoid overgeneralization. Alternative terms like "array", "framework", or "grid" can offer more general descriptive options. According to Ludwig, the prevalence of "matrix" makes it a versatile term across diverse communicative purposes and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

array

Refers to a structured arrangement of items, similar to the arrangement implied by "matrix".

framework

Implies a structural basis or system, much like how "matrix" is used to describe an embedding environment.

grid

Suggests a network of intersecting lines or points, similar to the arrangement in a "matrix".

system

Highlights an organized set of components or procedures, similar to how a "matrix" functions in broader contexts.

structure

Emphasizes the arrangement and organization of parts, akin to the organizational aspect of a "matrix".

network

Indicates a connected group or system, resembling the interconnected nature of elements within a "matrix".

web

Implies an intricate network or interconnected system, similar to a "matrix" in complexity.

table

Suggests an arrangement of data in rows and columns, directly analogous to a "matrix" in data handling.

environment

Focuses on the surrounding conditions or context, similar to how "matrix" describes an embedding environment.

context

Highlights the circumstances or setting, akin to the situational aspect of a "matrix".

FAQs

How can I use "matrix" in a sentence?

You can use "matrix" to describe a rectangular array of numbers or elements, like "The data was organized into a matrix for analysis", or to refer to an embedding environment, as in "The cells are embedded in an extracellular matrix".

What's the meaning of "matrix" in computer science?

In computer science, a "matrix" typically refers to a two-dimensional array used to store and manipulate data. Active-"matrix" is also a term used in display technology.

Which is the correct plural form, "matrixes" or "matrices"?

"Matrices" is the more commonly accepted plural form of "matrix", especially in mathematical and scientific contexts.

What are some alternatives to using the word "matrix"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "array", "framework", "grid", or "system" to convey similar meanings.