substances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to materials or matter, especially in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "The laboratory is equipped to handle various substances, including chemicals and biological materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking at the time, Det Insp Tommy Crombie, drugs co-ordinator at the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, warned: "PMMA and other harmful substances could be present in many illicit drugs including powders, products sold as legal highs and ecstasy tablets in all sorts of colours and with all sorts of logos.

The Guardian

The no-washing movement (and by that I mean umpteen blogs and online communities) skips the conditioner too, instead using "natural substances" such as egg, bicarbonate of soda, vinegar or just plain water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, herbal practitioners don't need a licence to supply medicines that they create on their own premises following one-to-one consultations, as long as they don't contain banned substances.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reducing these substances may be easier than cutting emissions of carbon dioxide, which is so pervasive because the vast majority of our energy still comes from burning fossil fuels – as delegates at the talks have been continually reminded by their location in Qatar, one of the world's biggest producers of natural gas.

The Guardian

Then the moment the very sweet lass behind the counter asked "may I help you?" I looked at the pictures of various food-style substances, the smell of cooking fat drifted into my nostrils, and I had to turn and walk out.

The Guardian

The report also says that: Bosch and Rodriguez used code names in the BBMs to refer to banned substances, including referring to banned substances as "food".

The Guardian - Sport

There he described in detail the testosterone creams and other substances he would be recommending for his use.

The Guardian - Sport

To show balance, he suggested that the list of winners of the awards was the best-kept secret in America - "with the possible exception of what George W Bush did in the 70s" (a reference to the question the Texas governor is often asked about whether in his youth he had used recreational substances not manufactured by Nike).

The Guardian

The main part of the bill deals with the powers of the police to investigate and prosecute people involved in the supply and use of legal highs and related psychoactive substances.

The Guardian

Reducing these substances has other benefits: countries could cut their air pollution-related deaths by as much as 2.4 million and crop losses by around 30m tonnes annually.

The Guardian

Lord Sebastian Coe, a friend of Alberto Salazar for over three decades, has called on the athletics coach to defend himself against allegations of administering banned substances.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific or technical topics, use "substances" to refer to distinct types of matter with specific properties. This term is appropriate for formal contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "substances" in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "stuff" or "things" might be more appropriate, as "substances" can sound overly formal in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "substances" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances or types of matter. As supported by Ludwig's examples, it commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting various materials or compounds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "substances" functions as a plural noun, commonly used in formal and scientific contexts to refer to various types of matter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources. While the phrase is frequently employed in news, science, and formal settings, it is advisable to use simpler alternatives in casual conversations. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, understanding its proper use ensures clear and precise communication, particularly in technical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

materials

Focuses on the physical nature of what constitutes something, often used in a tangible context.

chemicals

Refers specifically to compounds or elements, emphasizing their chemical composition.

elements

Highlights the basic constituents or components of a thing.

components

Emphasizes parts that combine to create a larger whole or system.

ingredients

Specifically refers to items that form part of a mixture, particularly in cooking or manufacturing.

constituents

Highlights the makeup or components that contribute to forming something.

compounds

Focuses on chemically bonded entities, usually in a scientific context.

matter

Refers to any physical material that has mass and occupies space.

chemicals compounds

Combining terms to focus on specific chemical formations and constituents.

chemical elements

Emphasizes the basic building blocks and units of chemical substances.

FAQs

How can I use "substances" in a sentence?

You can use "substances" to refer to different kinds of matter, like: "The lab is testing various "chemical compounds"", "The effects of these "psychoactive drugs" must be investigated" or "The doctor asked what "harmful materials" were ingested".

What words can I use instead of "substances"?

Depending on the context, you could use "materials", "chemicals", "elements", or "ingredients". Choose the word that best fits the specific type of matter you're discussing.

Is there a difference between "substances" and "materials"?

"Substances" generally refers to specific types of matter with defined properties, whereas "materials" is a broader term that can include any matter used for a particular purpose. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the composition or the function.

When is it appropriate to use the word "substances"?

The word "substances" is suitable in formal, scientific, or technical contexts when referring to specific types of matter with defined properties. It is commonly used when precision and specificity are important, such as in chemistry, medicine, and environmental science.