a solid ghost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a solid ghost" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in a metaphorical context, perhaps to describe something that is both substantial and elusive, or to convey a sense of contradiction. Example: "In the story, the protagonist encounters a solid ghost that challenges his understanding of reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A solid ghost.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Be with me, words, a little longer; you have given me my quitclaim in the sun, sealed shut my adolescent wounds, made light of grownup troubles, turned to my advantage what in most lives would be pure deficit, and formed, of those I loved, more solid ghosts.

The New Yorker

Here is one of his beautiful dying incantations: Be with me, words, a little longer; you have given me my quitclaim in the sun, sealed shut my adolescent wounds, made light of grownup troubles, turned to my advantage what in most lives would be pure deficit, and formed, of those I loved, more solid ghosts.

The Guardian

Paramount's "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol" was a solid No. 1, taking in $26.5 million in its second weekend for a total of about $59 million.

The New York Times

According to No Interpenetration, it is metaphysically impossible for entities of any type to 'pass through one another' without sharing parts—in the manner of a ghost passing through a solid brick wall.

SEP

Also opening soon is the closing-night selection, Clint Eastwood's "Hereafter," a mystical story with a solid Matt Damon as a man who communes with ghosts.

The New York Times

Earle is a "true believer", guided by instinct and some discriminating ideals that set him up as a solid figure on a landscape populated largely by ghosts.

The Guardian - Music

It's a solid, solid movie".

Independent

"Solid money for a solid problem.

The Guardian - Sport

Just a solid citizen.

The New Yorker

Overall, a solid taco.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a solid ghost" to create a paradoxical image, suggesting something that defies expectations by being both spectral and substantial. This can add depth and intrigue to your writing, especially in fiction or creative non-fiction.

Common error

Avoid using "a solid ghost" in contexts where it implies literal physical solidity. The phrase is most effective when used metaphorically to suggest a presence or influence that is surprisingly real or impactful despite being intangible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a solid ghost" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "solid" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "ghost". It's used to create a paradoxical image, implying a tangible yet spectral entity. According to Ludwig, it can be used in a metaphorical context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a solid ghost" presents an intriguing paradox, blending the tangible ("solid") with the intangible ("ghost"). Grammatically sound and creatively evocative, this phrase is best suited for metaphorical contexts where a sense of substantial yet elusive presence is desired. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is acceptable in written English, particularly for adding depth to narratives. While its usage is relatively rare, its appearance in reputable sources like The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Guardian suggests a valid, albeit uncommon, expression. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended metaphorical meaning to avoid misinterpretation. Alternatives such as "a tangible specter" or "a substantial apparition" offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a real ghost

Directly replaces "solid" with "real" to emphasize authenticity.

a physical ghost

Uses "physical" instead of "solid" to stress the tangible nature of the ghost.

a tangible specter

Replaces "solid" with "tangible" to emphasize the realness of the ghost, while "specter" is a more formal synonym for "ghost".

a substantial apparition

Uses "substantial" to highlight the ghost's significant presence, and "apparition" provides a more formal and literary feel.

a corporeal phantom

Substitutes "solid" with "corporeal," suggesting a physical body, and "phantom" for a classic ghostly image.

an embodied spirit

Replaces "ghost" with "spirit" to imply essence or soul, and "embodied" to highlight that it has taken a form.

a dense apparition

Emphasizes the compactness and perhaps impenetrability of the ghost using "dense".

a materialized wraith

Uses "materialized" to convey the ghost taking on a physical form and wraith as a synonym for ghost.

an imposing phantom

Focuses on the authoritative or impressive aspect of the ghost, replacing "solid" with "imposing".

a weighty presence

Shifts from a literal ghost to describe a presence that has a strong, almost physical impact.

FAQs

What does "a solid ghost" mean?

The phrase "a solid ghost" is typically used metaphorically to describe something that is both substantial and elusive, or to convey a sense of contradiction. It suggests a presence or influence that is surprisingly real despite being intangible.

How can I use "a solid ghost" in a sentence?

You might use "a solid ghost" to describe a memory that feels very real, or an abstract concept that has a tangible impact. For example, "The trauma left behind a solid ghost in her psyche, affecting her decisions years later."

What can I say instead of "a solid ghost"?

You can use alternatives like "a tangible specter", "a substantial apparition", or "a corporeal phantom", depending on the desired nuance.

Is "a solid ghost" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a solid ghost" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms it's acceptable for use in written English, particularly in creative or metaphorical contexts.