virgin material

USAGE SUMMARY

"virgin material" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence such as "The company opted to use virgin material for their latest product." This means they are using raw material that has not been used before.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Because the corps has been dredging to maintain the current 40-foot depth for almost 60 years, contaminants have been skimmed regularly, leaving previously untouched "virgin material" underneath.

The New York Times

One of my other ventures is a plastics business, and the cost of reprocessing its waste doesn't make it viable, sadly, it's cheaper to buy the virgin material".

The Guardian

To ensure you, the reader, know that the magazines contain only certified virgin material, Guardian Weekend and the Observer magazine carry the PEFC logo.

The Guardian

Japan were a constant chart presence throughout 1982, as they managed the unlikely feat of promoting various remixes and re-releases of their Hansa-Ariola catalogue in between their new Virgin material.

Independent

Recycling of lithium from used batteries could become an important source, in which case "the demand for virgin material would be reduced," said R. Keith Evans, a geologist who serves as a consultant to lithium producers.

The New York Times

After a great deal of research by our scientists, we concluded that there was no type of consumer waste that we could not turn into a new product or material, removing the need to extract virgin material from the planet.

The New York Times

It is now cheaper to recycle an aluminum can into a new can than it is to make one from virgin material, and the same is becoming true for plastic bottles.

The New York Times

It threatened to sue Asbury Park under a 1993 state executive order that requires government agencies to use recycled material wherever possible as long as the cost does not exceed 10percentt of virgin material.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Darby Hoover, a senior resource specialist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, praised Ford for focusing on agricultural waste, rather than virgin materials.

The Guardian

The country has a large appetite for raw materials and that includes scrap metals, waste paper and plastics, all of which can be cheaper than virgin materials.

The Economist

It also educates homeowners and business owners on how to minimise the use of virgin materials in both new projects and remodels.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sustainability, contrast the use of "virgin material" with recycled or reused alternatives to emphasize environmental impact.

Common error

Avoid using the term "virgin material" in contexts where simpler terms like "new material" or "raw material" are more appropriate and easily understood by a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virgin material" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object or subject in sentences discussing manufacturing, sustainability, or material science. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virgin material" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to raw, unprocessed materials. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and business contexts, where it serves to differentiate new resources from recycled or otherwise altered substances. When writing, consider contrasting "virgin material" with its recycled counterparts to emphasize sustainability, and avoid overuse in informal settings. By using terms like "raw material" or "original substance" when more appropriate, writers can reach a broader audience while maintaining clarity. The term is considered very common, especially in technical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raw material

This term focuses on the unprocessed state of the material.

unused material

Highlights the fact that the material hasn't been utilized previously.

original substance

Emphasizes the unaltered composition of the material.

unprocessed resource

Focuses on the material's natural state before undergoing any processing.

primary component

This phrase refers to a fundamental element in its initial state.

unrecycled material

Specifically contrasts with recycled or reused materials.

newly extracted material

Highlights the recent acquisition or derivation of the material.

first-use material

Emphasizes that the material is being used for the very first time.

untouched resource

Stresses the pristine and undisturbed nature of the material.

natural constituent

Highlights the material as a component found in nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "virgin material" to describe materials that are in their original, unused state, such as, "The manufacturer chose to use "virgin material" to ensure the highest quality of their product."

What's the difference between "virgin material" and "recycled material"?

"Virgin material" refers to raw materials extracted or produced in their original form, while "recycled material" is derived from waste or used products.

What are some alternatives to using "virgin material" in manufacturing?

Alternatives include using "recycled content", "post-consumer waste", or "bio-based materials" to reduce environmental impact.

Is it always better to use recycled material instead of "virgin material"?

Not always. While using "recycled material" generally has a lower environmental impact, the specific benefits depend on factors such as the type of material, the recycling process, and the application's requirements.