sense of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of material" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the overall feeling or impression created by the physical or tangible aspects of something, such as a material object, structure, or design. For example: - The architect's use of natural stone and wood in the design of the building gave it a strong sense of material, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. - The artist's choice of textured canvas and bold brushstrokes added a unique sense of material to their abstract paintings. - The clothing designer's collection featured luxurious fabrics and intricate details, creating a sense of material opulence on the runway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

To help make sense of material presented later, we describe this algorithm in terms of matrix multiplication.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Even "repertoire" has multiple shades: in the simple sense of material to be performed and in deeper dimensions of worth and permanence.

The New York Times - Arts

He has an international reputation for creating timeless architectural form and space with a beautiful sense of material and craft," said University Architect Ronald McCoy.

Princeton University

The figures are columnar icons, erect, symmetrical, and perfectly balanced, carved from single blocks of wood and displaying a keen sense of material, with no attempt to smooth over cuts of the knife.

Britannica

Like Hamada, Shimaoka brought his own expressive spirit to works which had, at their finest, lyrical beauty, with a strong sense of material and the alchemy of the kiln.

The Guardian

But a strip of microfilm still relates to a photographic process, still evokes a sense of material presence, and is still susceptible to the physical effects of wear and tear.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A sense of material-fueled contentment is evident in Istanbul's giant gleaming malls where clutches of hip young women in brightly colored headscarves clasp their Gucci purses while shopping with reckless abandon.

The New York Times

620 Greenwich Street, at LeRoy Street Greenwich Village Maccarone 630 Greenwich Street, at Morton Street Greenwich Village Through Oct. 23 The latter-day Pop artist Rob Pruitt continues to patrol the borders of high and low, found and made, insider and outsider, aided by an ingenious sense of materials, a generous spirit and a sly way of paying tribute to artists he admires.

The New York Times - Arts

Structureless materials, in the sense of materials for which there is no InChI, include heterogeneous metals, organometallic compounds, enzymes and natural substances such as linseed oil.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Friction perception is a major factor affecting our sensing of material textures.

ROBOMECH Journal

Initially, the transcribed material was read a number of times to get a general sense of the material.

BMC Women's Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing artistic or architectural works, use "sense of material" to convey the artist's or designer's skillful use and understanding of their chosen medium, enhancing the overall aesthetic and emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of material" when you intend to discuss materialism, which is a focus on acquiring possessions. "Sense of material" describes an understanding or appreciation of the qualities of a substance, not an obsession with material wealth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of material" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting a perceptive understanding or appreciation of the physical properties and inherent qualities of a substance. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts to express this nuanced understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of material" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an understanding or appreciation of a substance's qualities. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase conveys a nuanced understanding. To ensure clarity, distinguish its meaning from "materialism". When crafting your content, using the phrase "sense of material" effectively captures your appreciation for the medium and contributes to the overall success of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perception of material

Replaces "sense" with "perception", emphasizing the awareness of the material's properties.

impression of material

Substitutes "sense" with "impression", highlighting the subjective feeling the material evokes.

consciousness of material

Replaces "sense" with "consciousness", stressing a deeper awareness or understanding.

feeling for material

Emphasizes an intuitive understanding or appreciation of the material.

appreciation of material

Highlights a positive evaluation or regard for the material's qualities.

awareness of material properties

Focuses specifically on understanding the characteristics of the material.

grasp of material qualities

Indicates a firm understanding of the material's attributes.

understanding of material essence

Suggests a deeper, more profound knowledge of the material's fundamental nature.

sensitivity to material

Implies a refined or heightened ability to discern the nuances of the material.

instinct for material

Conveys a natural or innate understanding of the material's potential.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "sense of material" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of material" to describe an artist's understanding and skillful application of materials, such as, "The sculptor demonstrated a keen "sense of material" in their bronze works."

What is an alternative to "sense of material" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "perception of material", "impression of material", or "feeling for material".

Is it appropriate to use "sense of material" in formal writing?

Yes, "sense of material" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing art, architecture, or design. It conveys a sophisticated understanding and appreciation of the medium.

How does "sense of material" differ from "materialism"?

"Sense of material" refers to an understanding and appreciation of the qualities of a substance, while "materialism" denotes a preoccupation with material possessions. They are distinct concepts with different meanings.