primary material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary material" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the main or most important source of information or evidence in a sentence or paragraph. Example: In order to support his argument, the author used primary materials such as interviews with experts and data from reputable studies.

✓ Grammatically correct

Art

Research

Manufacturing

Historical analysis

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are our primary material".

The New Yorker

using maps as the primary material.

The New York Times

In the end, the primary material vastly outshines Groneman's analysis.

The New York Times - Books

Weiner adopted language as his primary material in 1968.

Yale University

Our primary material, wood, is more difficult than most.

The New York Times

These projects aim to lay bare complex problems, using data as their primary material.

The New Yorker

"He treats light as if it were a primary material," Mr. Casebere said.

The New York Times - Food

But anyone versed in the primary material of the authorship question will emerge essentially unsatisfied.

The Guardian - Books

The Barnes collection provided a significant amount of this primary material.

The Guardian - Film

Aside from the primary material, Connolly's strengths as a biographer are numerous.

The Washington Post

In three of the four works, the primary material is stone.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing academic papers, clearly distinguish between "primary material", which offers firsthand evidence, and secondary sources that interpret it.

Common error

Avoid using secondary sources as if they were "primary material". Always cite the original source when referencing direct evidence or data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary material" functions primarily as a noun phrase, designating the foundational or original sources of information or substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly employed to refer to core inputs or evidence, a trend consistent with the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Academia

25%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary material" signifies the fundamental resources or evidence central to a subject, whether it's art, research, or manufacturing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is versatile, appearing across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. The phrase serves to emphasize the direct, original nature of the information or substance at hand. To ensure clarity in your writing, distinguish "primary material" from secondary sources, and always cite original sources when available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source material

Focuses on the origin or documentation used as a basis.

raw material

Emphasizes the unprocessed state of the base ingredient or substance.

original data

Highlights the untouched and unaltered information.

base material

Refers to the foundational substance or component.

core component

Stresses the essential element within a larger system.

chief ingredient

Highlights the main element in a mixture or composition.

fundamental resource

Broadly refers to a key asset or support.

key element

Emphasizes the crucial aspect or part.

essential component

Highlights the necessary part for functionality.

foundational element

Refers to the underpinning or structural basis.

FAQs

How is "primary material" used in research?

"Primary material" is used as the original source of information or data in research, providing direct evidence for analysis and interpretation. Examples include original documents, artifacts, and experimental data.

What distinguishes "primary material" from secondary sources?

"Primary material" offers firsthand accounts or direct evidence, while secondary sources analyze, interpret, or summarize "primary material". Secondary sources include textbooks, articles, and reviews.

Where can I find examples of "primary material"?

Examples of "primary material" can be found in archives, libraries, museums, and online databases. These sources often contain original documents, artifacts, data sets, and first-hand accounts.

What's the role of "primary material" in historical research?

In historical research, "primary material" provides direct evidence from the time period being studied, such as letters, diaries, government documents, and photographs. Historians use this material to develop interpretations of the past.