raw material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raw material" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is used to make a product, such as a natural resource that is not processed in any way. For example, "Many companies depend on raw materials like iron ore and oil to make their products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are raw material.

The New York Times

That's the raw material.

The New York Times

They're the raw material.

The Guardian

And the raw material.

The New York Times

The raw material already existed.

The Economist

Raw Material Costs.

Stanford University

The raw material for cocaine.

The Guardian - Books

He's got great raw material".

The New York Times

The raw material is there.

The New York Times - Arts

The debate produces raw material.

The New York Times - Arts

These furnished raw material for further development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing manufacturing or production, clearly specify the type of "raw material" to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, use "raw cotton" instead of just "raw material" when referring to textile production.

Common error

Avoid using "raw material" as a vague, catch-all term. Always provide sufficient detail about the specific material being discussed to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretation. Saying that something has great "raw material" is not informative without specifying what qualities or resources are being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raw material" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a substance in its natural or unprocessed state used in manufacturing or production. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to inputs that undergo transformation to become finished products.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raw material" is a noun phrase widely used to describe unprocessed substances used in manufacturing and various processes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across contexts. Its usage is particularly common in "News & Media" and "Science", indicating its relevance in both general discussions and technical fields. To enhance clarity, specifying the type of "raw material" is crucial, and alternatives like "primary resource" can be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic component

Focuses on the fundamental, elemental nature of the material.

primary resource

Emphasizes the origin and availability of the material.

crude substance

Highlights the unprocessed state of the material.

unrefined element

Stresses the lack of refinement or processing.

virgin stock

Suggests the original and untouched nature of the material.

bulk commodity

Emphasizes the mass quantity and commercial nature.

base ingredient

Highlights the role of the material as a fundamental part of a mixture or product.

starting material

Focuses on its use as an initial point in a process.

original input

Highlights the material's role as the first element introduced into a system.

natural resource

Emphasizes that the source is natural and unaltered by humans.

FAQs

How is "raw material" used in manufacturing contexts?

In manufacturing, "raw material" refers to the basic inputs that are processed or converted into finished goods. Examples include iron ore for steel production, crude oil for plastics, and timber for paper.

What are some synonyms for "raw material"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "primary resource", "basic component", or "crude substance" as alternatives to "raw material".

How does "raw material" differ from "finished product"?

"Raw material" is the unprocessed input, while a "finished product" is the final output after manufacturing. The "raw material" undergoes transformation to become the "finished product".

What factors influence the price of "raw material"?

The price of "raw material" can be influenced by factors such as supply and demand, geopolitical events, transportation costs, and environmental regulations.