physical substances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical substances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing materials or matter that have a tangible, material presence, often in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "In chemistry, we study the properties and reactions of various physical substances to understand their behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

Huffington Post

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

Encyclopedia 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

To the actual execution of each drawing -- the choice of materials, the mixing and making of their physical substances, and sometimes their wrapping or tying up -- he proved himself the master of a craft of which he is the only known practitioner.

The New York Times - Arts

Physical substances are atoms and things made up of atoms.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

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

I decided to kill him, though I wasn't sure just how to destroy a man who existed only as a phantom, without physical substance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the composition of a physical object or system, use "physical substances" to accurately convey the tangible and material components involved.

Common error

Avoid using "physical substances" to describe non-material or abstract concepts. Reserve the term for tangible, measurable matter to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical substances" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it denotes tangible, measurable materials or matter, often in contrast to abstract or non-physical entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "physical substances" is a grammatically sound and relatively common term used to refer to tangible, measurable materials. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently encountered in scientific, news media, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, it is important to maintain precision and avoid applying it to abstract concepts. Alternatives like "material substances" or "tangible materials" can be used depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. The phrase serves to categorize and describe aspects of the physical world, emphasizing the real and measurable nature of the entities being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

material substances

Emphasizes the tangible and corporeal nature of the substances.

tangible materials

Highlights the touchable and perceptible qualities of the materials.

corporeal entities

Focuses on the bodily or physical existence of the entities, often used in philosophical contexts.

real objects

Stresses the genuine and non-abstract nature of the objects.

substantial forms

Emphasizes the fundamental nature and structure of the forms, often used in philosophical or scholastic contexts.

palpable matter

Highlights the easily perceivable and tangible aspect of the matter.

concrete elements

Focuses on the solid and definite nature of the elements.

earthly matters

Refers to materials or affairs related to the physical world.

sensible objects

Refers to objects that can be perceived through the senses.

worldly entities

Implies entities that belong to the physical world and are not spiritual or abstract.

FAQs

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

You can use "physical substances" to refer to materials with tangible, measurable properties. For example, "The experiment analyzed the reaction between different physical substances."

What are some alternatives to "physical substances"?

Alternatives include "material substances", "tangible materials", or "real objects", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "physical substances"?

It's appropriate in scientific, technical, and philosophical contexts when discussing the tangible components of matter or the physical world. It may be less suitable in purely abstract or metaphorical discussions.

What's the difference between "physical substances" and "chemical substances"?

"Physical substances" refers generally to matter with physical properties, while "chemical substances" specifically denotes matter with defined chemical compositions and properties. All chemical substances are physical substances, but not all physical substances are necessarily defined by their chemical composition.