scrap material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scrap material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to leftover or discarded materials that can be reused or recycled, often in manufacturing or construction contexts. Example: "The factory collects scrap material to reduce waste and promote sustainability in their production process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That the metal pieces looked like scrap material became significant.

The New York Times - Arts

6. Cut a long strip from your scrap material.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Some of my best work has evolved through the use of scrap material".

The New York Times

A lot of my later books were scrap material from things that hadn't worked.

Independent

They read almost like scrap material left on the factory floor.

The New York Times

There were piles of brightly colored single-use boxer shorts, many in floral or psychedelic patterns, sewn by Swedish women, "the Swedish battalion," from scrap material.

The New Yorker

Make do and mend When I searched for "women's clothes" on Freecycle, a huge number of adverts appeared for "bags of scrap material".

The Guardian - Money

He was 71 years old, and was preparing to cross the Pacific Ocean on a raft he had made out of scrap material.

The New York Times

Associates also continue to drive this continuous improvement while Goodyear finds more beneficial uses for reusable scrap material which can in turn help fund further improvements.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In India, an unorganized sector involves collection of junk/waste/scrap material by ragpickers and selling to big dealers.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

"Tripp also vastly exaggerated the true amount and value of 'scrap' material that Tesla generated during the manufacturing process, and falsely claimed that Tesla was delayed in bringing new manufacturing equipment online".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sustainability or environmental topics, consider using "scrap material" to emphasize the potential for recycling and reuse.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "scrap material" excessively in formal documents like academic papers. Opt for more precise terms like "waste material" or "recycled material" where appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scrap material" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies discarded or leftover materials, often with the implication that these materials may be suitable for recycling or reuse. Ludwig examples showcase diverse applications of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

26%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scrap material" is a common noun phrase used to describe discarded or leftover materials, often implying potential for recycling or reuse. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical status is correct and it finds frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and wiki articles. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "waste material" or ""recycled material"" in highly formal settings. When discussing sustainability, "scrap material" effectively highlights the value of reusing resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waste material

Focuses on the discarded nature of the material, emphasizing its lack of further use.

discarded material

Highlights the act of being thrown away or rejected.

recycled material

Emphasizes the potential for reuse and environmental benefit.

surplus material

Suggests an excess of material that is no longer needed.

leftover material

Indicates material remaining after a process or project.

unwanted material

Highlights that the material is no longer desired or needed.

rejected material

Focuses on the material's failure to meet quality standards or requirements.

reclaimed material

Suggests that the material was previously discarded but has been recovered for reuse.

secondary raw material

A more formal term used in industrial or manufacturing contexts to refer to recycled resources.

offcut material

Specifically refers to pieces cut off from a larger piece of material, often in manufacturing.

FAQs

How can I use "scrap material" in a sentence?

You can use "scrap material" to describe discarded or leftover materials in various contexts. For instance, "The artist used "recycled material" and "scrap material" to create a unique sculpture."

What is a more formal alternative to "scrap material"?

In formal writing, consider using terms like "waste material" or "reclaimed material" for a more professional tone. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "scrap material" the same as "waste material"?

While similar, "scrap material" often implies the potential for reuse or recycling, whereas "waste material" generally refers to discarded substances with no immediate use.

What are some creative uses for "scrap material"?

"Scrap material" can be used in arts and crafts, construction, and even in industrial processes to reduce waste. Examples include creating art from discarded metal or using fabric scraps for quilting.