raw material for

USAGE SUMMARY

"raw material for" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is used as a source for something else, such as in the following example sentence: "The factory uses scrap metal as raw material for producing car parts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

These furnished raw material for further development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The raw material for "Your Brother.

The New York Times

The raw material for cocaine.

The Guardian - Books

Glycerin is an essential raw material for the company.

The Guardian

Promising raw material for Davy Shannon to work with.

The Guardian - Music

Everything would be raw material for something else.

The New Yorker

"They provide the raw material for innovation," Dr. Haussler said.

The New York Times - Science

The real-time performances became raw material for Mr. Lanois.

The New York Times - Arts

It is an important raw material for certain detergents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At once this working tool became raw material for me".

The New York Times - Arts

This is the raw material for eyeglass lenses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raw material for", ensure you clearly define what the raw material is and what it will be used to create. This provides clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "raw material for" in overly abstract contexts where terms like "basis" or "foundation" might be more appropriate. Stick to scenarios involving tangible transformation or production.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raw material for" functions as a noun modifier, specifying the purpose or destination of the raw material. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raw material for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a basic substance that is transformed into something else. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is employed across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and science. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts involving tangible transformation, avoiding overly abstract applications. Alternatives such as "feedstock for" or "ingredient for" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the specific scenario. Use "raw material for" to provide clarity about the source and intended purpose of a substance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic ingredient for

Highlights the essential nature of the component, particularly apt for recipes or formulations.

feedstock for

Replaces "raw material" with a term often used in industrial or chemical contexts, implying a more processed or refined starting point.

building block for

Suggests a fundamental element used in a larger structure, whether physical or conceptual.

source for

Shifts the emphasis to the origin or derivation of something, rather than its transformative use.

resource for

Broadens the concept to encompass any usable asset, not just physical substances.

starting point for

Focuses on the idea of initiation or origination rather than the inherent nature of the material itself.

input for

Emphasizes the action of contributing to a process, suitable for both physical and abstract applications.

basis for

Indicates a foundation or underlying principle, implying a more abstract relationship.

component for

Stresses the part-whole relationship, useful in technical or mechanical contexts.

underlying element for

Emphasizes the fundamental and often unseen nature of the material's role.

FAQs

How can I use "raw material for" in a sentence?

Use "raw material for" to indicate the basic substance or component that is transformed into something else. For example, "Wood pulp is the "raw material for" paper."

What are some alternatives to "raw material for"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "feedstock for", "ingredient for", or "basis for" as alternatives to "raw material for".

Is "raw material for" formal or informal?

"Raw material for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What kind of material is usually described as "raw material for" something?

The phrase "raw material for" is typically used to describe unprocessed or minimally processed substances that will undergo further transformation, such as wood, metal ores, or agricultural products.