physical substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical substance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing material properties, science, philosophy, or any situation where the tangible nature of an object is relevant. Example: "In chemistry, the study of physical substance is essential for understanding the properties and reactions of different materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Things of physical substance are tangible.

The Washington Post

This assumption "excludes my experience from my physical substance..

The New York Times

There isn't a physical substance that could contain such a thing.

The New Yorker

Buchan, a journalist, essayist, and novelist, describes the physical substance of Edinburgh with enormous gusto.

The New Yorker

What physical substance -- apart from our flesh -- could be more intimate than what we put against our flesh?

The New York Times - Arts

Each of these applications requests materials with particular physical, substance, organic, biomechanical, and corruption properties to give proficient treatment.

Fundamental Biomaterials: Polymers

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

So, there is this tendency in nature, in physics, for physical substances to go from simplicity to complexity.

Huffington Post

Food adulteration is a widespread illegitimate procedure involving contamination of food with chemical and physical substances.

Measurement

These three alchemical elements, or principles, also represented abstractions of properties reflecting the nature of matter, not physical substances.

Britannica

Standard testing includes biological contaminants like E. coli and salmonella and physical substances like bits of metal that might fall inside a meat grinder.

The New York Times

The production of such works was accompanied by the writing of essays in which the artist stressed the alleged failure of modern scientific positivism and the need to perceive what he termed "the symbolic character of physical substances".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, clarify whether you are referring to the literal, "physical substance" or a metaphorical interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "physical substance" when referring to non-material aspects like ideas or emotions. Instead, use terms like 'essence', 'nature', or 'quality'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical substance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the tangible, material aspect of something, as exemplified in the Ludwig examples showcasing its use in scientific, philosophical, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "physical substance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it is mostly found in News & Media, Science and Academia. It is deployed to specify the tangible and material components of an object or concept, distinguishing it from abstract qualities. While broadly applicable, it's crucial to avoid using it in contexts where intangible attributes are being discussed. Alternatives like "material entity" or "tangible matter" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Physical entity

Broadly refers to anything with a physical existence.

Tangible matter

Emphasizes the ability to be touched or perceived physically.

Concrete object

Stresses the real and solid nature of something.

Real object

Focuses on the non-abstract nature.

Material composition

Focuses on the components that make up something physical.

Material form

Describes the shape of something material.

Solid matter

Emphasizes the non-gaseous or liquid state.

Corporeal form

Highlights the physical shape or structure.

Substantial element

Indicates a key physical component.

Palpable presence

Highlights the noticeable physical existence.

FAQs

How can I use "physical substance" in a sentence?

You can use "physical substance" to describe the tangible components of an object or being, such as, "The scientist analyzed the "physical substance" of the rock to determine its composition."

What's the difference between "physical substance" and "material entity"?

"Physical substance" emphasizes the tangible, touchable nature of something, while "material entity" is a broader term that simply denotes something made of matter, whether easily perceived or not.

Is it correct to use "physical substance" when referring to something intangible?

No, "physical substance" should only be used when referring to things that have a tangible, material existence. Intangible concepts should be described with terms like 'essence' or 'quality'.

What can I say instead of "physical substance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tangible matter", "material form", or "corporeal form". The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you intend to convey.