a tangible idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tangible idea" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It means an idea that can be perceived or understood through the senses or physically realized. Example: The artist had a tangible idea for her next sculpture, which she expressed through a series of sketches and models.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I take all the information I've been naturally collecting and focus on a tangible idea.

Forbes

"Thirty seconds to Mars the fact that we're so close to something that's not a tangible idea.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

What must it be like, for month after month, as the temporary hardens around you – and summer, autumn and winter pass without any tangible idea of what the future might look like?

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking at the Edinburgh international book festival, Matar said: "For the first time in our history the idea of democracy is a real, tangible idea, not a fairy tale.

The Guardian

Some people think 'we'll see' is 'God will help us,' which is not a very tangible idea to me.

The New York Times

"It's a more tangible idea of what we're trying to accomplish".

TechCrunch

I can only imagine that the media, which was so confident that this could only happen if we were once again transported in a time machine to Hitler's Nazi Germany, played some part by giving the spotlight to a man who wanted it so he could stand on his golden, bedazzled soap box and spew hatred, incite violence, ignorance, racism, and offer not a single tangible idea for us to hang our hats on.

HuffPost

By doing so there is an endpoint and you'll have a concrete and tangible idea of where you're heading and when you'll get there.

Forbes

Participants suggested that people would need to be given a clearer, more tangible idea of the "deal" under whichever preferred option emerged.

The Guardian

Does he ever have any tangible ideas?

Los Angeles Times

How did that tangible idea lose out to the chimera of Star Trek? George Lucas helped.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a new concept, use "a tangible idea" to emphasize that it's not just theoretical but also practical and achievable. Provide examples or evidence to support its feasibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because an idea is "tangible", it is also simple or easy to implement. Tangibility refers to its real-world applicability, not necessarily its complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangible idea" functions as a noun phrase, where 'tangible' modifies 'idea'. It describes the nature of the idea, emphasizing its concreteness and practicality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tangible idea" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for expressing a concept that is practical and capable of being realized. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correctly used across a variety of sources, including news, academic, and scientific publications. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in professional contexts where emphasizing feasibility is important. Consider alternatives like "a concrete concept" or "a realistic plan" to add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid the common mistake of conflating tangibility with simplicity, and always support your "a tangible idea" with evidence and examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concrete concept

Replaces 'idea' with 'concept' and 'tangible' with 'concrete', both emphasizing the clarity and definiteness of the notion.

a well-defined concept

Similar to "a concrete concept", but emphasizes the clarity of the definition.

a definite notion

Replaces 'tangible' with 'definite', stressing the certainty and precision of the idea.

a realistic plan

Shifts the focus from a general idea to a specific plan that is feasible and grounded in reality.

a practical approach

Emphasizes the usability and applicability of the idea.

a genuine proposal

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the idea.

a clear vision

Highlights the clarity and comprehensibility of the idea.

an understandable proposition

Focuses on the ease with which the idea can be grasped and comprehended.

a solid framework

Implies a well-structured and robust idea that can serve as a foundation.

a palpable feeling

Shifts the meaning to something experiential and strongly felt, rather than strictly intellectual.

FAQs

How can I best illustrate "a tangible idea" in a presentation?

Use visuals, prototypes, or real-world examples to make the concept more concrete and easier for the audience to understand. Showing how the idea translates into "a practical approach" is key.

What's the difference between "a tangible idea" and "an abstract concept"?

"A tangible idea" is something that can be readily understood and applied, often with physical manifestations or clear examples. An abstract concept is more theoretical and may lack immediate real-world application.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a tangible idea" in professional writing?

Use "a tangible idea" when you want to emphasize that a concept is not just hypothetical but has practical value and can be implemented effectively. It's especially useful in business proposals, project plans, or research papers where "a realistic plan" is crucial.

Are there synonyms for "a tangible idea" that I can use to avoid repetition?

Yes, consider using alternatives like "a concrete concept", "a practical approach", or "a well-defined concept", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.