some substances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some substances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified number of materials or chemicals in a general context. Example: "Some substances can be harmful if ingested, so it's important to handle them with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some substances fall into both categories.

The Economist

It's also the case that some substances are much less risky than others.

The Guardian

Also, only some people have allergies and only some substances are allergens.

Independent

There are some substances that can be controlled, like the reagents used to modify DNA.

The Economist

Some substances such as insecticides are toxic to one individual and not to another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some substances in the inner bark of the roots are used in medicines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some substances, however, displayed sharp, reproducible discontinuities in these properties at specific pressures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Athletes are believed to be using some substances, like human growth hormone, for which there are no screening tests.

The New York Times - Sports

But some substances are so potent that a minute quantity can bring about vast changes in the body.

The New Yorker

The legalisation lobby is right to point out the inconsistency in some substances being banned and some not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ask students to brainstorm some "substances" or "practices" that could be viewed as addictive, as you note them on the classroom board.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the effects of "some substances", specify the type or category of substance to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "some substances can be harmful", consider "some cleaning substances can be harmful".

Common error

Avoid making broad claims about "some substances" without providing context or qualifications. Not all substances behave the same way, so ensure your statements are accurate and specific to the substances you're discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some substances" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a plural noun. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It generally acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to an unspecified number of materials.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some substances" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to refer to a subset of materials or chemicals. As per Ludwig, it's readily usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related content, it's generally suitable for neutral registers. For more precise communication, consider specifying the type of substance. When aiming for clarity, avoid making overly broad generalizations without context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain materials

Emphasizes the selection of specific, but unspecified, materials from a larger set.

various compounds

Highlights the diversity among the substances being referred to.

a selection of materials

Focuses on the act of choosing specific materials.

a number of chemicals

Specifically refers to chemical substances, implying a quantifiable amount.

certain elements

Highlights specific components or constituents within a broader context.

specific constituents

Refers to particular parts or components of a whole.

some components

Broader term that encompasses various parts or ingredients.

several ingredients

Suggests a mix of elements used in a recipe or formulation.

a portion of compounds

Implies that only a segment of all possible compounds is under consideration.

a few chemicals

Indicates a smaller quantity of chemicals in comparison to other available options.

FAQs

How can I use "some substances" in a sentence?

Use "some substances" to refer to an unspecified number of materials or chemicals in a general context. For example, "Some substances are more reactive than others."

What are some alternatives to "some substances"?

You can use alternatives like "certain materials", "various compounds", or "a selection of materials" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to specify the substances instead of saying "some substances"?

Specifying the substances provides greater clarity and precision, which is generally preferable in formal writing. However, "some substances" is acceptable when the specific substances are unknown or irrelevant to the point you're making.

What is the difference between "some substances" and "all substances"?

"Some substances" refers to a subset of substances, while "all substances" refers to every substance. Using "some substances" implies that not every substance possesses the characteristic being discussed.