waste matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waste matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing refuse, byproducts, or materials that are no longer useful or needed. Example: "The factory is implementing new processes to recycle waste matter and reduce environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A massive discharge of waste matter.

The Guardian - Books

But "Planet Earth" does not always see waste matter through rose-tinted lenses.

The New York Times - Arts

In practice, increasing intake of such foods can help to keep waste matter moving.

The Guardian

It will take many more years for all the waste matter to break down.

The New York Times

Birds have one opening — the cloaca — from which both waste matter and (in females) eggs exit the body.

The New York Times

The challenge was how do you get higher?" The solution: colonies of microbes that devour waste matter.

The New York Times

These were machines that recycled waste matter into whatever was needed next, from spare parts to synthesized food.

Harvard Business Review

Obama could reverse the "fill" rule to reflect its original meaning, which forbids waste matter from being dumped into waterways.

The Washington Post

Besides hunting larvae, the ants help the plant in other ways: keeping its traps clean and providing another source of nitrogen, in the form of their waste matter.

The New York Times - Science

The biologically active slime on the disc surface is exposed alternately to air and to an aqueous media containing dissolved and/or suspended waste matter.

Chemical Engineering Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If your digestive system and detox pathways are congested, obstructed and inflamed by toxic waste matter--think literal cellular garbage -- from a poor diet, poor digestion, poor elimination and the stress of the modern, fast-paced lifestyle, toxins find their way from the liver to your blood and fat cells.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental issues or scientific processes, use "waste matter" to maintain a neutral and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid using "waste matter" in casual conversations. Simpler terms like "trash" or "garbage" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "waste matter" is as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to discarded or unwanted material. Ludwig examples show it describing physical substances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waste matter" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to discarded or unwanted materials. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly those related to science, environmental issues, and sanitation. While it maintains a neutral tone, simpler alternatives like "trash" or "garbage" may be more suitable for informal settings. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse

A general term for discarded things.

rubbish

Commonly used in British English for trash or garbage.

garbage

Primarily refers to discarded food.

trash

A common term for unwanted materials.

sewage

Specifically refers to liquid waste or excrement.

excrement

Focuses on bodily waste.

effluent

Typically refers to liquid waste discharged into the environment.

byproduct

Indicates a secondary product of a manufacturing process.

discharge

Implies a release of unwanted substances.

spoils

Suggests waste from excavation or mining.

FAQs

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

"Waste matter" typically functions as a noun. For example: "The city is developing new strategies to manage its "solid waste"".

What's the difference between "waste matter" and "garbage"?

"Waste matter" is a more formal and comprehensive term for discarded materials, encompassing various types of refuse. "Garbage" more specifically refers to discarded food.

What are some synonyms for "waste matter"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "refuse", "rubbish", "trash", or "sewage".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "waste matter" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable in formal writing, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, more precise or descriptive terms might be preferable for clarity.