toxic substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "toxic substance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to any material that can cause harm to living organisms or the environment. Example: "The factory was fined for releasing a toxic substance into the river, endangering local wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SA is a highly toxic substance, but its mechanism of toxicity has not been fully established.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

It's a toxic substance.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is not a toxic substance.

The New Yorker

Even radiation is a toxic substance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tomorrow another noxious, toxic substance will emerge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Did some kind of toxic substance get into his system?

The New York Times - Sports

In such quantities, manure becomes a toxic substance.

The New York Times

She was also carrying sodium cyanide, a toxic substance.

Independent

They also pointed out that those tests could not have eliminated every possible toxic substance.

The Guardian

To read Gary Taubes's article, one might think that cholesterol is a toxic substance.

The New York Times

Making a medical diagnosis for illnesses related to toxic substance exposure requires extensive and sophisticated tests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always provide specific details about the "toxic substance" being discussed, including its name, source, and potential effects, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "toxic substance" as a blanket term without proper identification or evidence. Always specify the exact substance and its verified risks to maintain accuracy and avoid unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toxic substance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "toxic" modifies "substance". It serves to identify a material that is capable of causing harm. As Ludwig suggests, it’s a widely used term to denote potential danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "toxic substance" is a common and generally correct term used to describe materials that can cause harm to living organisms or the environment. As Ludwig highlights, it is used across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. While alternatives like "hazardous material" or "harmful chemical" exist, "toxic substance" provides a clear and direct way to communicate the presence of a potential threat. Remember to always be specific when discussing a "toxic substance" and ensure that the risks are accurately represented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poisonous material

Replaces 'toxic' with 'poisonous', emphasizing the capacity to cause death or illness.

harmful chemical

Substitutes 'substance' with 'chemical', specifying the nature of the toxic entity.

dangerous pollutant

Focuses on the environmental aspect, highlighting the polluting nature of the toxic entity.

hazardous waste

Emphasizes the waste aspect and the risk associated with disposal or handling.

deleterious agent

Uses more formal terms to describe a harmful entity or influence.

noxious element

Replaces 'substance' with 'element', often referring to a basic chemical component.

venomous compound

Suggests a naturally produced poison, typically from animals or plants.

contaminating agent

Highlights the action of making something impure or unsuitable through contact.

unsanitary material

Focuses on the health aspect, indicating something that is not clean and may cause disease.

infectious element

Suggests an element able to cause infection

FAQs

How can I use "toxic substance" in a sentence?

You can use "toxic substance" to describe materials that can cause harm. For example: "The spill released a "toxic substance" into the water supply".

What's a good alternative to "toxic substance"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "hazardous material", "harmful chemical", or "poisonous material".

Is it redundant to say "toxic substance"?

While "toxic" implies a harmful effect, "substance" clarifies that it is a material thing. The combination is not generally redundant and helps ensure clear communication of a harmful material.

What is the difference between ""toxic substance"" and "hazardous material"?

While similar, ""toxic substance"" specifically refers to materials that can cause harm through chemical reactions or poisoning, while "hazardous material" is a broader term that includes physical risks like flammability or explosiveness.