unwanted matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwanted matter" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to physical items or abstract concepts that are unpleasant or unwanted, such as junk mail, pollution, or a difficult situation. For example: "We had to deal with a lot of unwanted matter before the project was finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Steven Wernikoff, a lawyer for the F.T.C. in Chicago, said the deceptive subject lines enabled the messages to evade filters aimed at blocking unwanted matter, exposing some children to sexual material.

The New York Times

Scientists say the discovery of an internal "brush" that helps clear lungs of unwanted matter could help them understand more about lung diseases.

BBC

The anal pores may eject unwanted small particles, but most unwanted matter is regurgitated via the mouth.

Wikipedia

From the UK Department of Health guidelines, decontamination is defined as: 'A process which removes or destroys contamination (defined as soiling or pollution with harmful, potentially infectious or other unwanted matter) and thereby prevents microorganisms or other contaminants reaching a susceptible site in sufficient quantities to initiate infection or any other harmful response.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This stage of post-mining, pre-utilization beneficiation uses low-cost separation technologies to remove unwanted mineral matter and moisture which hinder the value of the coal product.

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

The waste-to-energy process isn't mindless, open-air incineration -- the instant destruction of unwanted planetary matter simply to make it go away -- but it's definitely controversial.

Huffington Post

If you're stuck in school and and you feel that familiar rumble down under, clench your buttocks together as tightly as you can so no unwanted fecal matter can slip through the cracks.

WikiHow

When fungus is exposed to metal salts such as AgNO3 or AuCl4 −, it produces enzymes and metabolites to protect itself from unwanted foreign matters, and in doing so, the metal ions are reduced to metal nanoparticles [91].

Nanoscale Research Letters

What it tells us is that women will always find ways to end an unwanted pregnancy, no matter what the law says, no matter the risks to themselves.

The New York Times

An unwanted house, no matter how hideous, is a little sad, like an empty restaurant or a child left out of a game.

The New Yorker

The agreement is only for one year, however, instead of the usual three, and there was no word on what would happen if the sides failed to reach a resolution in 30 days on the matter of unwanted players.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unwanted matter", consider the specific context to ensure your language is precise and impactful. For instance, in a scientific context, "unwanted matter" might refer to contaminants, while in a personal context, it could describe emotional baggage.

Common error

Avoid using "unwanted matter" as a catch-all phrase when more specific terminology would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of "removing unwanted matter from the water", consider "removing sediment and pollutants from the water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwanted matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unwanted" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "matter". It is used to identify substances or things that are not desired or needed in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwanted matter" is a phrase used to describe undesirable substances or elements. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is relatively rare. It appears across various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, serving the purpose of identifying and highlighting the need to address these unwanted elements. While generally neutral in register, more specific terms might be preferable in highly formal or technical contexts. When writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose the most precise terminology to avoid overly broad usage. When the general meaning is sufficient, the usage of "unwanted matter" is acceptable and can be easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undesirable material

Replaces "matter" with "material", emphasizing the physical composition and undesirability.

extraneous substance

Substitutes both words to denote something that is not essential and comes from the outside.

unnecessary debris

Changes "matter" to "debris", suggesting scattered fragments and the quality of being unneeded.

waste product

Focuses on matter created as a byproduct and not needed.

excess baggage

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight the burden or encumbrance of the unwanted element.

rejected stuff

Emphasizes the action of rejecting some matter or items.

undesired content

Changes "matter" to "content", focusing on unwanted information or subject matter.

surplus refuse

Implies an overabundance of discarded material.

undesirable elements

Focuses on the components that are not wanted.

undesired components

Focuses on parts that are not wanted.

FAQs

How can I use "unwanted matter" in a sentence?

You can use "unwanted matter" to describe physical or abstract things that are not desired. For example, "The filter removes "unwanted particles" from the air" or "She had to deal with a lot of "unwanted attention" after her success".

What phrases are similar to "unwanted matter"?

Similar phrases include "undesirable material", "extraneous substance", and "unnecessary debris". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "unwanted matter" formal or informal?

"Unwanted matter" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more specific and technical terms might be preferable in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives such as "waste product" or "excess baggage" depending on the setting.

What is the difference between "unwanted matter" and "harmful substance"?

"Unwanted matter" is a broader term referring to anything undesirable. "Harmful substance" specifically refers to materials that pose a threat to health or the environment. Therefore, all harmful substances can be considered "unwanted matter", but not all "unwanted matter" is necessarily harmful.