specific material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'specific material' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use the phrase in a sentence like this: "My professor asked me to hand in the specific material from last week's lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The performance specifications describe the functional result that a product must achieve without identifying any specific material or product.

Pumping Station Design

What drew you to this specific material?

The New Yorker

Petitions for specific material things -- trucks, houses, farm animals -- take the form of handcrafted models of the items desired.

The New York Times - Arts

In removing restrictions on Wikipedia, the Chinese government appears to be choosing to rely instead on keyword filters that block specific material on all sites, including Wikipedia.

The New York Times - Tech

Like the Aztecs, they pursued specific material goods, obsessively combing their empire for the thorny oyster (spondylus princeps) revered for the deep blood-red colour of its shell.

The Guardian

The Site Solution Provider, who handles all the plant's recycling, will then find the appropriate vendor for each specific material stream.

The Guardian

As a history teacher, she has only a certain amount of time to cover very specific material.

The New York Times

A file-sharing system basically works like this: you download and install a file-sharing program like KaZaA, which allows you to search the Internet for specific material that somebody else's computer may have.

The New York Times - Tech

The providers, like AOL or the Microsoft Network, could be ordered by a court to turn over specific material, rather than give the F.B.I. unlimited access to a network.

The New York Times

"Any specific material, if such things arise, we are ready to analyze together.

TechCrunch

A specific material parameter fitting strategy is also introduced.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific material", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the material distinct or noteworthy. Providing clarifying details enhances the precision and informative value of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "specific material" when a more precise term exists. Instead of saying "the experiment required a specific material", consider naming the material directly, such as "the experiment required copper".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific material" functions as a noun phrase where "specific" modifies the noun "material". Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and used across various contexts. The adjective narrows down the type of material being referenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specific material" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily functioning to denote a particular kind of substance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, this phrase underscores the importance of precision. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies what makes the material distinctive to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "particular substance" or "designated component" may offer nuanced options, depending on the intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular substance

Emphasizes a distinct instance of matter, shifting focus from general material to a unique type.

designated component

Implies a pre-selected or assigned element within a larger system, altering the emphasis to its role.

precise element

Highlights accuracy and exactness in the identified material, adding emphasis on specificity.

distinct matter

Stresses the uniqueness and individuality of the material, focusing on its differentiated nature.

specialized stuff

Denotes material tailored for a certain function or purpose, altering focus to intended application.

defined subject

Presents the material as a clearly outlined and demarcated entity, adding a layer of conceptual clarity.

exact ingredient

Focuses on the composition and constitution of the material, specifying a necessary component.

certain constituent

Suggests that the material is an essential component, shifting the focus to its role in formation.

tailored element

Indicates material that has been customized or adapted for a particular use, emphasizing modification.

selected item

Implies a choice or preference for the material over others, underlining the act of choosing.

FAQs

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

You can use "specific material" to refer to a particular type of substance or component with distinct characteristics. For example, "The construction required "specific material" to withstand extreme temperatures."

What are some alternatives to "specific material"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "specific material" with alternatives like "particular substance", "designated component", or "precise element".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "specific material"?

"Specific material" is suitable in scientific, technical, or formal settings where precision is important. It's often used when discussing the properties or requirements of substances in experiments, construction, or manufacturing.

Is there a difference between "specific material" and "certain material"?

While similar, "specific material" implies a higher degree of exactness and intentionality compared to "certain material". "Specific material" indicates that the material has particular qualities relevant to the context, whereas "certain material" is more general.