a tangible object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangible object" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has a physical presence and can be touched or perceived through the senses. Example: "In our art class, we were encouraged to create a tangible object that represents our emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Digitech argued that the device profile constituted a tangible object and therefore meets subject matter eligibility under Section 101.

Harvard University

The other way, it's a face that is sharply shaped, a tangible object, but shaped like a living creature, held and encased within a hard carapace.

Independent

Google has always done hardware pretty poorly; Google Glass, its boldest experiment in a tangible object, is now recognized as an utter failure.

The New Yorker

It is simply a different world when the time lapse between creating a design and having a tangible object of that design in hand is tiny.

Harvard Business Review

For the uninitiated, it's neither a tangible object nor is it an accounting function you'll see on a business school classroom chalkboard.

The Washington Post

According to Yates, this was improper because he could not have had fair notice that a fish would be considered a "tangible object" for purposes of §1519.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Artists of the Post-Minimalist, Conceptual, and Performance movements rejected this standard conception of art and sought to make art based on an idea whose expression did not depend on the creation of a tangible object-- non-object-based art".

Huffington Post

Prototyping A prototype is any tangible object that allows for the exploration, evaluation, and development of an idea.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

It's no easy task, and even physicists who realize that all matter boils down to invisible clouds of probability still go to work driving a car, which behaves like a normal tangible object, not a cloud.

Huffington Post

Their age and condition portray the passage of time as well as any tangible object can.

The New York Times

The most straightforward works like a big inkjet printer – but instead of squirting one layer of ink on a page, it goes on squirting layer after layer of a gluey plastic solution which solidifies until a full, tangible object is printed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tangible object" when you want to emphasize the physical presence and sensory experience associated with something. This can be particularly effective in contexts where abstract concepts are being discussed, and grounding them with a physical example helps with understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a tangible object" when you actually mean something is concrete in the sense of being definite or specific. "Tangible" specifically relates to something that can be touched, while "concrete" can also refer to ideas or plans.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangible object" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "tangible" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "object". It identifies something that is perceptible to the touch and has a physical presence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tangible object" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe something that is physically present and can be touched. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, remember to use "a tangible object" to emphasize the physical nature of an item and avoid confusing it with terms like "concrete", which may refer to abstract ideas. Consider alternatives like "a physical artifact" or "a touchable thing" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a physical artifact

Emphasizes the object's existence as a man-made or cultural item.

a concrete item

Highlights the object's solid and definite nature.

a touchable thing

Focuses on the capability of being touched.

a palpable entity

Stresses the ease with which it can be sensed or realized.

a material form

Highlights the object's physical substance.

a solid construct

Emphasizes the object as something built or created with a firm structure.

a real substance

Highlights the authenticity and physicality of the object.

a corporeal object

Emphasizes the object's bodily or physical nature.

a physical manifestation

Highlights the object as a physical representation of something else.

an actual item

Stresses the object's non-abstract existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tangible object" to describe something that can be touched or physically perceived. For example, "The artist created "a tangible object" to represent their emotions."

What are some alternatives to "a tangible object"?

Some alternatives to "a tangible object" include "a physical item", "a concrete item", or "a touchable thing".

Is it redundant to say "a physical tangible object"?

Yes, saying "a physical tangible object" can be redundant because "tangible" already implies that something is physical. It's better to use just ""a tangible object"".

When is it appropriate to use "a tangible object" instead of "an intangible concept"?

Use ""a tangible object"" when discussing something that has a physical form and can be perceived through touch. Contrast this with "an intangible concept", which refers to something that cannot be physically touched, such as ideas or emotions.