a tangible number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangible number" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to an amount or quantity that can be physically measured or counted. For example, "The team had a tangible number of successes this year, with winning five out of their last seven games."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Whilst they may be able to put a tangible number at the moment out in the public domain of what they will save, in reality they possibly won't save that because they will still have to get children to school".

BBC

Although less concerning in patients without refractory intracranial hypertension, the collar can raise the ICP to 20 mmHg or greater in a tangible number.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It would take a lot of weight on the scale — much more than this issue is likely to provide, I think — to convert any tangible number of them into Romney voters (although turnout could be another issue).

The New York Times

Obviously, there is an actual, tangible number of open jobs out there that are not being filled — but the point of contention is why?

TechCrunch

Botify is a sort of analytics tool to back your SEO assumptions with tangible numbers.

TechCrunch

We think the Honda Accord does most of what the 6i does a bit more deftly, but by such a small margin that it really comes down to taste, not tangible numbers.

Forbes

These are companies where we believe the intangibles look as strong as the tangible numbers.

Forbes

Cholesterol-reducing medication could help lower the tangible numbers which were conveyed by the GP, who would provide reassurance and supervision.

BMC Family Practice

Without monitoring, it is difficult to determine if declining catch rates are due to a tangible reduction in numbers or to an increased presence of fish with low vulnerability to angling.

Evolutionary Applications

Merkel, who has attempted to rally Germans with the slogan "We can do it", has pledged a "tangible reduction" in the number of asylum seekers arriving in Germany in the coming months.

The Guardian

In March, German chancellor Angela Merkel faces crucial regional elections, by which time she wants to have seen a tangible reduction in immigrant numbers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tangible number" when you want to emphasize that something can be precisely counted or measured, and that this measurement is important or relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a tangible number" to describe abstract concepts or feelings that cannot be precisely quantified. For example, it would be incorrect to speak of "a tangible number of happiness" because happiness is not directly measurable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangible number" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "tangible" emphasizes that the number is concrete and measurable. As Ludwig AI states, it refers to an amount or quantity that can be physically measured or counted.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tangible number" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that emphasizes the concrete and measurable nature of a quantity. It is considered rare, with usage primarily found in news and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best used when you want to stress that a number is not just theoretical but real and verifiable. When considering alternatives, options like "a measurable quantity" or "a concrete amount" can be suitable substitutes depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a measurable quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity", emphasizing the ability to measure or quantify the item.

a concrete amount

Substitutes "tangible" with "concrete", highlighting the physical or definite nature of the amount.

a quantifiable figure

Replaces "tangible number" with "quantifiable figure", focusing on the numerical representation.

a definite quantity

Uses "definite" to emphasize the clarity and precision of the amount.

a perceptible number

Highlights that the number is noticeable or easily observed.

a visible quantity

Similar to perceptible, emphasizes that the amount is something that can be seen.

a substantial figure

Implies that the number is large or important.

a notable amount

Highlights the significance or remarkability of the quantity.

a real quantity

Emphasizes the actual existence and measurability of the quantity.

a practical quantity

Implies the number is useful or applicable in a real-world scenario.

FAQs

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

Use "a tangible number" when you want to highlight that a quantity is not just theoretical, but real and measurable. For example, "The project resulted in "a tangible number" of new jobs created in the community".

What's a good alternative to "a tangible number"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a measurable quantity", "a concrete amount", or "a quantifiable figure". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the measurement.

Is it better to say "tangible number" or "concrete number"?

Both "tangible number" and "concrete number" are acceptable, but "tangible" emphasizes that something can be touched or realized, while "concrete" focuses on its definiteness or realness. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

How does using "a tangible number" add emphasis?

Using "a tangible number" adds emphasis by suggesting that the quantity is not vague or approximate, but precisely known and verifiable. This can be useful when presenting data or making an argument where accuracy is important.