a concrete thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a concrete thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is tangible, specific, or real, as opposed to abstract concepts. Example: "In our discussion about philosophy, it's important to also consider a concrete thing, like the impact of our actions on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's a concrete thing, with four walls and a floor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A spell is a concrete thing one does to change consciousness," Mr. Bloom said.

The New York Times

You follow it down and it actually goes into the entrance, but you're watching a missile attack a concrete thing with nobody visible.

The New York Times

Again, the formal elements that constitute a concrete thing are essentially the same as one another and essentially the same as the concrete thing of which they are the formal constituents: Socrates is his essence (Socrates is what it is to be Socrates).

SEP

Living Out Loud is a concrete thing, and I've seen its healing power.

Huffington Post

You'd expect to need a dictionary handy to read a book written by a linguist, but I only had to look a single word up while reading ("reify: to convert into or regard as a concrete thing").

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In Buddhist philosophy, the ongoing task is to produce a sufficient consciousness of the self for there to be reincarnation, while simultaneously securing the understanding that the individual self is not (in the end) a substantial, concrete thing, but a delusion that will dissolve or become liberated into Nirvana.

SEP

For most entrepreneurs, profit is at once a more capacious and a more concrete thing than this.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's because the cloud isn't a single concrete thing so much as a concept that encompasses many technologies.

TechCrunch

But he acknowledges that in the PM orthodoxy a plan is, or should be, a very concrete thing, taken very seriously by managers.

Science Magazine

But for many of the people whose votes will count in November, Trump's imaginary past is a more concrete thing to contemplate than the Democrats' imaginary present.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a concrete thing", ensure the context clearly contrasts it with abstract ideas to emphasize its tangible or real nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a concrete thing" when discussing purely theoretical or abstract concepts. Reserve it for situations where emphasizing physicality or tangibility is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concrete thing" typically functions as a noun phrase. It identifies something tangible or real. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it contrasting abstract concepts or plans with real, physical objects or actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concrete thing" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the tangible, real, or specific nature of something, often in contrast to abstract ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage spans across various domains, from news to scientific discussions. The phrase appears infrequently, suggesting that while correct, it should be used judiciously to ensure clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "a tangible object" or "a specific item" may offer more common or nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tangible object

Emphasizes the physical and touchable aspect of the entity.

a tangible item

Similar to "a tangible object", but using a different noun.

a specific item

Highlights the particularity and defined nature of the entity.

a real entity

Focuses on the genuineness and existence of the entity.

a physical entity

Underscores the material existence of the entity.

an actual thing

Focuses on the reality and factuality of the thing.

a material object

Stresses the composition of the entity from matter.

a definite object

Highlights the precise and clear nature of the object.

a substantial entity

Emphasizes the solid and significant nature of the entity.

a palpable object

Highlights the ability to be perceived or touched.

FAQs

How can I use "a concrete thing" in a sentence?

Use "a concrete thing" to refer to something tangible or real, contrasting it with abstract ideas. For example, "Instead of abstract theories, let's focus on "a concrete thing" like implementing the new policy."

What can I say instead of "a concrete thing"?

You can use alternatives like "a tangible object", "a specific item", or "a real entity" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a concrete thing"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is not abstract or theoretical, but rather real and tangible. For instance, when discussing solutions, prioritizing "a concrete thing" is more effective than vague ideas.

What is the difference between "a concrete thing" and "an abstract concept"?

"A concrete thing" refers to something tangible and specific, while "an abstract concept" refers to something that exists only as an idea. The former is physical and can be experienced, while the latter is not.