a tangible fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangible fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fear that is concrete or easily perceived, often in a context where emotions or concerns are being discussed. Example: "As the deadline approached, there was a tangible fear among the team that they would not complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

For younger Germans, war in Europe is no longer a palpable memory or a tangible fear.

The New York Times

Where there persists a tangible fear that this could happen to any of us.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a tangible fear of the reach of the secret police in the Iranian exile community.

The Guardian

There is a tangible fear that the country might lapse back into the sort of war that cost the lives of over 4m people between 1998 and 2003.

The Economist

… Although these annual rates of paid claims are low, the annual and career risks of any malpractice claim are high, suggesting that the risk of being sued alone may create a tangible fear among physicians.

The New York Times

Violent conflict is particularly probable if the claims of the various ethnic groups are incongruous, if groups have strength and are organized, if it is possible for groups to take action, if success is a feasible outcome, and if there is a tangible fear of suppression and discrimination on the basis of ethnicity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Google Glass may be the beginning of the final stage before intake and synthesis of information is done within our own bodies, making "cyborg anxiety" a much more tangible fear.

Huffington Post

The deaths of two postal workers, to all appearances from anthrax, and the infection of two others with the most lethal form of the disease thrust bioterrorism back to the forefront in a country torn between the fascination of an unfolding military campaign and the tangible fear of a mysterious germ.

The New York Times

"When you look at people who are friends and family, and you see people not really dealing with the relationships too well," Sahlin explains, "one very real and tangible fear that I have as a parent is, what if my kids grow up and we no longer get along?

Los Angeles Times

There was tangible fear and paranoia in the air".

The Guardian - Music

The most tangible fear stems from what is only now being learned about the long profit surge that helped bring about so much of the expansion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tangible fear" to describe anxieties or concerns that are easily understood or felt by others. This phrase is effective when you want to highlight the reality and immediacy of a fear.

Common error

Avoid using "a tangible fear" for purely abstract or theoretical concerns that lack a clear, perceptible basis. Ensure the fear has identifiable causes or effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangible fear" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tangible" modifies the noun "fear". It describes a specific kind of fear that is easily perceived or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tangible fear" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a fear that is easily perceived or felt. Ludwig AI validates that. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts but also has usage in encyclopedias and scientific writing. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the immediacy and reality of a fear. Alternatives like "a palpable fear" or "a real fear" can be used to express similar ideas, depending on the nuance you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a palpable fear

Emphasizes how easily the fear can be sensed or perceived, similar to tangible but focuses on feeling.

a real fear

Highlights the authenticity and genuineness of the fear.

a definite fear

Suggests a clear and distinct fear, without ambiguity.

an obvious fear

Focuses on the fear being easily noticeable and apparent.

a concrete fear

Like tangible, it emphasizes the real and specific nature of the fear.

a distinct apprehension

Replaces 'fear' with 'apprehension', indicating a formal concern, with a subtle difference in emotional intensity.

a detectable anxiety

Substitutes 'fear' with 'anxiety', focusing on the psychological unease that is noticeable.

a perceptible dread

Uses 'dread' to convey a deeper level of fear that is noticeable.

a manifest terror

Manifest terror suggests a more intense and openly displayed fear.

a demonstrated worry

Focuses on the visible signs of concern and worry.

FAQs

How can I use "a tangible fear" in a sentence?

You can use "a tangible fear" to describe a fear that is easily perceived or felt. For example: "There was "a tangible fear" among the employees after the layoff announcement."

What are some alternatives to "a tangible fear"?

Alternatives include "a palpable fear", "a real fear", or "an obvious fear", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a tangible fear"?

Yes, "a tangible fear" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a fear that is concrete and easily perceived.

What does "tangible" mean in the context of "a tangible fear"?

In this context, "tangible" means that the fear is easily perceptible or real, as if it can be touched or felt. It emphasizes the concrete nature of the fear.