raw materials

USAGE SUMMARY

"raw materials" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the natural resources or unprocessed materials used to create a finished product. For example, "The factory uses corn, soybeans, and other raw materials to create animal feed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They ruined raw materials.

The New Yorker

They stressed raw materials.

The New York Times - Arts

They represent raw materials.

The Guardian - Books

Raw materials are squeezing profits.

The Economist

Raw materials are sometimes scarce.

The New York Times - Arts

rulings on industrial raw materials.

The New York Times

Words are our raw materials.

The Guardian - Books

The raw materials are extraordinary.

The New York Times - Food

What about raw materials prices?

The New York Times

But the raw materials are there.

The New York Times

You need raw materials to have hope".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing manufacturing or economics, be specific about the type of "raw materials" to provide clarity. For instance, specify "agricultural raw materials" or "industrial raw materials".

Common error

Avoid using "raw materials" as a catch-all term without considering the specific context. Always clarify which materials are being referenced to ensure accurate communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raw materials" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying the basic substances used in manufacturing or production. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it acts as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting its role in economic and industrial contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raw materials" is a common noun phrase referring to the basic inputs used in manufacturing and production, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, science, and academic contexts. While its register can range from neutral to formal, clarity is key: specify the type of materials being discussed. Alternatives like "basic materials" or "primary resources" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Ludwig's examples highlight its broad applicability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic materials

Focuses on the fundamental or essential nature of the materials.

primary resources

Emphasizes the origin and initial state of the resources.

feedstock

Technical term, mainly used in manufacturing processes, for materials that are converted or processed into other products.

starting materials

Highlights the role of these materials as the beginning point of a process.

crude resources

Stresses the unrefined and natural state of the resources.

virgin materials

Implies the materials are in their original, unused condition.

input materials

Highlights the role of these materials as ingredients or things added into a system.

base components

Stresses the function as the foundations from which something is built or created.

unrefined substances

Focuses on the lack of processing or purification of the substances.

natural elements

Implies that elements have to be extracted and utilized as components of a complex final product.

FAQs

How are "raw materials" used in a sentence?

"Raw materials" are typically used as nouns in a sentence. For example: "The factory processes "raw materials" to produce finished goods."

What are some synonyms for "raw materials"?

Some synonyms for "raw materials" include "basic materials", "primary resources", and "feedstock", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "raw material" or "raw materials"?

Both are correct, but "raw material" is singular and refers to one type of unprocessed resource, while "raw materials" is plural and refers to multiple types.

What's the difference between "raw materials" and "components"?

"Raw materials" are unprocessed natural resources, while "components" are parts that have already undergone some processing and are used in assembling a final product.