solid material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solid material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a substance that has a definite shape and volume, often in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "The engineer specified that the structure must be built using solid material to ensure durability and stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Corrosion compounds form on the surface of a solid material.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She wrote in a notebook: "Sculpture: three-dimensional forms of solid material.

The New York Times - Arts

I must say that I like to start with more solid material than this.

The New Yorker

Polyethylene is a tough, durable solid material quite different from ethylene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Drill, cylindrical end-cutting tool used to originate or enlarge circular holes in solid material.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sewage sludge is the solid material remaining from the treatment of sewage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They destroy solid material and living tissue upon contact, by chemical reaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Greg passed on a laminate countertop in favor of a half-inch-thick solid material by Wilsonart (www.wilsonart.com) called Gibraltar.

The New York Times

NASA has developed a high-tech insulator called Aerogel -- a solid material that is 99.9percentt air.

The New York Times

The band has some solid material of its own, with lyrics just as satisfyingly mushy as an old Jackson ballad.

The New York Times

Turning a solid material like coal into a liquid — it sounds hard to do, and it is hard to do.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental procedures or material properties, use "solid material" to clearly distinguish it from liquids or gases. For example, 'The experiment required precisely measuring the density of the solid material.'

Common error

Avoid using "solid material" when simpler terms like "object" or "item" suffice. Overusing technical terms can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or unnatural. Choose words that fit the tone and purpose of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solid material" primarily functions as a noun phrase, specifying a type of matter with a definite shape and volume. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse fields illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solid material" is a grammatically sound noun phrase widely used to specify matter with a defined shape and volume. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's correct and applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and technical domains. While "solid material" is most appropriate in formal and scientific registers, be mindful of overusing it in general writing where simpler terms may suffice. Remember to differentiate it from liquids and gasses, and consider alternatives like "firm substance" or "dense matter" depending on your specific need. The phrase's high frequency and authoritative source support solidify its reliability and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm substance

Replaces "solid material" with a synonym emphasizing its rigidity.

dense matter

Focuses on the density aspect of the material, offering a slightly different nuance.

rigid component

Highlights the unyielding nature and its role as a part of something.

compact matter

Emphasizes the packed nature of the material.

hard matter

Focuses on the hardness characteristic.

stable matter

Highlights material's stable state and its resistance to change.

durable stuff

Highlights the quality of being long-lasting.

substantial element

Highlights the size and importance of the material.

inflexible substance

Emphasizes the lack of flexibility or pliability.

unyielding matter

Highlights its resistance to pressure or force.

FAQs

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

"Solid material" is used to describe substances that maintain a definite shape and volume. For example, "The structure was built using reinforced concrete, a strong "solid material"."

What are some alternatives to "solid material"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "firm substance", "dense matter", or "rigid component".

Is it correct to say "solid material" or should I use a different term?

"Solid material" is a correct and commonly used term, especially in scientific and technical contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the specific situation and the level of detail required.

In what contexts is "solid material" most appropriate?

"Solid material" is particularly suitable in scientific writing, engineering reports, and technical documentation where precise categorization of substances is necessary. In more general writing, simpler terms might be preferred.