"matter" vs "substance"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello Alan, Mister Micawber, Beeesneees, Mordant, Esl_Expert and other native English speakers,

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Given that gray water contains soap, detergent, germs, and perhaps other [color=green]matter, some precautions are required. Filter it to remove hair, lint, and other solids. Don’t use it on plants that will be eaten. Use flood or drip watering for …

Can I say “substance” instead of [color=green]matter?

2

You would have to say ‘substances’ (the plural), but yes.

3

Thank you, MM.

Given that gray water contains soap, detergent, germs, and perhaps other [color=green]matter, some precautions are required.

oxfordadvancedlearnersdictio … ary/matter
[b]matter
[uncountable] (formal) a substance or things of a particular sort

  • Add plenty of organic [color=red]matter to improve the soil.
  • elimination of waste [color=red]matter from the body
  • She didn’t approve of their choice of reading [color=red]matter.[/b]

[color=green]matter and [color=red]matter have the same meaning, don’t they?

4

Yes. Notice that matter [uncountable] = a substance [countable]

5

Thank you, MM.