plastic arts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plastic arts" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to art forms that involve the manipulation of materials, such as sculpture, ceramics, and painting. Example: "The exhibition showcased a variety of plastic arts, highlighting the creativity of local artists."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fashion for linking poetry with the plastic arts had grown up during the 1840s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, relatively few African social practices or plastic arts survived in the New World.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Religious symbols are used in the plastic arts, in architecture, and in music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A devotion to serious music, yet of feeling for the visual and plastic arts - zilch.

The Guardian - Arts

Franco considered the plastic arts politically inconsequential, though knew they were useful as a means for "Spanish national aggrandizement".

The New York Times - Books

There are academies for plastic arts, physical education, and military affairs, and there is a geological museum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His performances were all on the surface, and he made no distinction between the social and the plastic arts.

The New Yorker

Finlay is uneasy with the suggestion that his increasing interest in the plastic arts meant a renunciation of literature.

The Guardian - Arts

Increased revenue also made possible widespread religious construction, which, along with remarkable accomplishments in the plastic arts and irrigation, was a hallmark of the reign of Parakramabahu I.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After studying in 1916 18 at the Institute of Civil Engineering, Eisenstein decided on a career in the plastic arts and entered the School of Fine Arts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The English, he claims, love surface decoration and intricate patterns rather than profundity, a predilection that extends through the plastic arts to music and philosophy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a range of art forms involving physical manipulation of materials, use "plastic arts" to clearly differentiate them from purely visual or performing arts.

Common error

Avoid using "visual arts" interchangeably with "plastic arts". "Visual arts" is a broader term that includes photography and digital art, while "plastic arts" specifically refers to art forms that involve shaping or molding materials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plastic arts" functions as a noun phrase, referring to art forms that involve the physical manipulation and shaping of materials. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in academic and artistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

40%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plastic arts" correctly identifies art forms that involve physical manipulation of materials, distinguishing them from other visual or performing arts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Predominantly found in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, its register is formal, rendering it suited for academic and professional discourse. While alternatives like "visual arts" exist, "plastic arts" offers a specific nuance for material-based artistic expression. To avoid ambiguity, ensure that you reserve "plastic arts" for scenarios that explicitly involve tangible materials, and clarify from "visual arts" in order not to create confusion. Examples of "plastic arts" include sculpting and ceramics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plastic art

Singular form of the phrase, changing the scope from multiple forms to a singular concept.

visual arts

Broader term encompassing all art forms that are primarily visual in nature; it's less specific about the manipulation of materials.

fine arts

A traditional term referring to art forms created primarily for aesthetic purposes, differing in its broader scope.

three-dimensional arts

Focuses on the dimensional aspect of art, excluding two-dimensional forms like painting; more specific to sculptural forms.

material arts

Highlights the use of physical materials in creating art, diverging by emphasizing the physicality rather than the aesthetic.

sculptural arts

Specifically refers to the art of sculpting, offering a narrower focus than the general category.

aesthetic arts

Highlights the aesthetic qualities of art; more abstract and less focused on the physical creation process.

les arts

French term for "the arts", offering a broader, less specific scope than the original query.

craft arts

Emphasizes the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating art, more aligned with functional or decorative pieces.

applied arts

Focuses on the application of artistic design to functional objects, differing in its emphasis on utility.

FAQs

How do I use "plastic arts" in a sentence?

You can use "plastic arts" to refer to art forms that involve the physical manipulation of materials, such as sculpture, ceramics, and painting. For example: "The curriculum includes training in various "plastic arts" such as pottery and sculpting".

What's the difference between "plastic arts" and "visual arts"?

"Plastic arts" specifically refer to art forms involving the manipulation of materials, like sculpture. "Visual arts" is a broader category that also includes drawing, painting, photography and digital media.

What are some examples of "plastic arts"?

Examples of "plastic arts" include sculpture, ceramics, and certain forms of painting that involve texture and three-dimensionality. These art forms require shaping and molding materials.

Is "plastic arts" a formal term?

Yes, "plastic arts" is a formal term used in art history, art education, and art criticism to describe a specific category of art forms. It's suitable for academic and professional contexts.