precious materials

USAGE SUMMARY

"precious materials" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe objects that are valued because of their worth or rarity. For example, "Many of these ancient artifacts are made of precious materials, including gold and silver."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"To mix unexpected elements with precious materials is to celebrate nature," Mr. Jakob said.

The New York Times

Other designers showcased the pattern in the precious materials of jewels and accessories.

The New York Times

Rich people had many shabties made of precious materials, including wood, which was a rare commodity.

The New York Times - Arts

For example, many LEDs are currently made on precious materials like sapphire.

The New York Times - Science

Also, it is an object of intrinsic beauty, carefully hand-wrought and lavished with precious materials.

The New York Times

"One of the ironies of these pieces that are made from not very precious materials is that they are as fragile as, if not more fragile than, pieces that are made from precious materials," Temkin explained.

The New Yorker

Her technique remains close to the ancient ways of cutting and using diamonds and other precious materials.

The New York Times - Arts

Calendar pages include psychedelic zodiac signs and other marginalia, painted with lapis lazuli, gold leaf, and other precious materials.

The New Yorker

He was prominent in the watch industry, consulting with U.S. government agencies regarding weights and measures of precious materials.

The New York Times

In India, China and Egypt they found new clients, among them several Indian maharajahs, and precious materials, like Bahrain pearls.

The New York Times

"And I liked the idea of doing that with very noble and precious materials, like the metals and the gemstones".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific or technical contexts, specify the particular "precious materials" involved, such as gold, platinum, or rare earth elements, for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "precious materials" when simpler terms like "expensive" or "valuable" are sufficient. Reserve it for contexts where the inherent rarity, beauty, or cultural significance is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precious materials" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It denotes substances of considerable value due to rarity or inherent qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precious materials" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes substances of significant value. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, reserve the phrase for contexts where inherent rarity, beauty, or cultural significance are relevant. For alternative phrases consider "valuable materials" or "rare materials". The phrase's broad applicability makes it a versatile tool in both descriptive and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuable materials

Emphasizes the monetary or practical worth of the materials, rather than their rarity or beauty.

priceless materials

Highlights the immeasurable value, often suggesting they are irreplaceable.

rare materials

Focuses on the scarcity and limited availability of the materials.

expensive materials

Stresses the high cost associated with acquiring these materials.

high-value materials

Similar to valuable, but emphasizes the significant economic worth.

exquisite substances

Shifts the focus to the refined and delicate nature of the materials.

treasured resources

Highlights the importance and careful conservation of the materials.

noble substances

Implies high quality and perhaps a historical or traditional significance.

refined elements

Emphasizes the purity and processing involved in obtaining the materials.

irreplaceable components

Focuses on the essential nature and lack of substitutes for these materials.

FAQs

How can I use "precious materials" in a sentence?

You can use "precious materials" to describe the composition of valuable objects, such as "The crown was adorned with "precious stones" and other "precious materials"".

What are some synonyms for "precious materials"?

Alternatives to "precious materials" include "valuable materials", "rare materials", or "expensive materials", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "precious materials" in formal writing?

Yes, "precious materials" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing art, history, economics, or science. It effectively conveys the high value and importance of the materials being discussed.

What's the difference between "precious materials" and "precious metals"?

"Precious materials" is a broader term that can include precious metals like gold and silver, as well as other valuable substances such as gems, ivory, or rare woods. "Precious metals" specifically refers to metallic elements with high economic value.