a concrete object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a concrete object" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a physical item that can be perceived through the senses, often in contrast to abstract concepts. Example: "In the art class, we were asked to create a sculpture from a concrete object we found in nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"They want to hold on to that memory as a concrete object".

The New York Times

"Thing," the section's first poem, gives an etymology of the word that shows its evolution from the "Old English thyngian, to parley, to assemble, to confer, to reach terms" to "the nearly opposite sense of a concrete object, a physical or bodily thing".

The New York Times - Books

He discouraged throwing around noble-sounding abstractions that had lost anchoring in what is challengeable, concrete, and broadly comprehensible: When you think of a concrete object, you think wordlessly, and then, if you want to describe the thing you have been visualising you probably hunt about until you find the exact words that seem to fit it.

The New Yorker

It is not a concrete object that physically exists.

Journal of Cheminformatics

So too does each of the formalities that compose such a concrete object.

SEP

Moreover, new actualists reconceive the idea of an "essential" property of a concrete object.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

More fundamentally, no abstract object can be identical to any concrete object.

SEP

Ontologically, an artifact can be a singular, concrete object such as the Eiffel Tower, a type (a type object) which has or can have many instances (for example, a paper clip or Nikolai Gogol's Dead Souls), an instance of a type (a particular paper clip), or an abstract object, for example, an artificial language.

SEP

For instance, if it could be proven that positing a plurality of concrete objects (or a plurality of anything, or even a single concrete object) led irrevocably to contradiction, this should turn the tide.

SEP

The thing that is destroyed in your scenario can be a real, concrete object, living or non-living, or it can be a more abstract idea.

The New York Times

He also became a more concrete object of hatred for one of the victims' fathers, Philip King, who has repeatedly urged prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Mr. Salley and the man said to be his accomplice, Andre S. Smith, 31.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a concrete object" when you want to emphasize the tangible, physical nature of something, especially in contrast to abstract concepts or ideas. This helps to ground your writing and make it more relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "a concrete object" to describe abstract concepts or ideas. This phrase is specifically for physical, tangible items. Using it for abstract notions can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concrete object" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something that exists physically and can be perceived through the senses. As Ludwig AI points out, this contrasts with abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a concrete object" is a noun phrase used to denote something tangible and physical, as opposed to abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts, especially in science, news, and media. It serves to emphasize the physical existence of something, often in discussions about philosophy or scientific concepts. When writing, be mindful to use it accurately, ensuring you are indeed referring to something with a physical presence. If you need alternatives, consider phrases like "tangible object" or "physical object", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tangible object

Focuses on the touchable, physical nature of the object, emphasizing its perceptible qualities.

a physical object

Highlights the object's existence in the physical world, contrasting it with abstract or conceptual entities.

a real object

Emphasizes the object's actuality and genuineness, distinguishing it from imaginary or virtual items.

a material object

Stresses the object's composition of matter, indicating it is made of tangible substance.

an actual object

Focuses on the object's present and verifiable existence, setting it apart from hypothetical or theoretical concepts.

a solid object

Emphasizes the object's firmness and lack of hollowness, indicating it is substantial and not empty.

a definite object

Highlights the object's clear and distinct form, suggesting it is well-defined and easily recognizable.

a particular object

Emphasizes a single instance of an object, rather than a generalized type of object.

a certain object

Similar to 'a particular object', but can also imply the object has specific known attributes.

a substantial object

Focuses on the object's significant size, volume, or impact, suggesting it is not negligible.

FAQs

How is "a concrete object" used in philosophical discussions?

In philosophy, "a concrete object" is often used to distinguish between physical entities and abstract concepts, such as numbers or ideas. Concrete objects are considered to exist in space and time, while abstract objects do not.

What are some "tangible objects" that can be described using this phrase?

Examples of concrete objects include items you can touch and see, such as a table, a book, a car, or a tree. Anything that has a physical presence and occupies space can be considered a concrete object.

How does "a concrete object" differ from a concept or idea?

While "a concrete object" refers to something physical and tangible, a concept or idea is abstract and exists only in the mind. For instance, a chair is a concrete object, while the idea of justice is an abstract concept.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a concrete object"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "tangible object", "physical object", or "real object".