a tangible source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangible source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a physical or concrete origin of something, often in contexts related to information, resources, or evidence. Example: "The researcher identified a tangible source of data that supported her hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this case, smells are associated with intangible practices, although they still emanate from a tangible source, as knowledge has no smell.

Heritage Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A more tangible source of tension between the Orthodox and their more secular neighbors is the growing number of shtiebels, private houses that serve as synagogues.

The New York Times

Luckily, there is a much more reliable and tangible source from the police investigation into Williams.

Vice

The potential trouble for Snap is that its most tangible source of revenue — automated ads — will have to siphon ad dollars from Google and Facebook, two companies that effectively enjoy a duopoly on the digital advertising market.

Vice

In addition to tangible sources of inspiration, such as textile archives and color, inspiration also came from intangible sources such as global issues.

Fashion and Textiles

"The forest also provides more tangible sources of inspiration for me in the form of the organic offerings which I often find on my walks, such as discarded feathers, tiny skulls, dried lichen, skeleton leaves, abandoned nests, tufts of fur, and the like," Watt elaborates.

Vice

The tangible sources of power of these groups were their ownership of major organizations (hospitals and vocational schools) mobilizing thousands of people and millions of dollars in equity [ 36].

Health Research Policy and Systems

Licensing Agreement – these engagements are forms of out-tasking and used when sourcing a tangible asset, such as a technology or real estate.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Data linkage provides a tangible route to make the data sources more powerful for research [ 1, 2].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Mr. Codey said that he thought the project was a huge source of pride for New Jersey residents, a tangible sign that proves the state belongs in the big leagues.

The New York Times

We see two concepts of the horizon, the real horizon with a tangible and limited view, and an imaginary one, a source of innovation and discovery.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tangible source", ensure that the source you are referring to is indeed physical or concrete. Avoid using it for abstract concepts unless you are drawing a specific analogy.

Common error

Avoid using "a tangible source" to describe purely abstract or conceptual origins without clear justification. For instance, saying "a tangible source of inspiration" might be confusing if the inspiration doesn't stem from a physical object or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangible source" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a concrete or physical origin or resource. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples showing its use in contexts requiring verifiable and concrete evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tangible source" is a noun phrase used to denote a physical or concrete origin, resource, or basis. Ludwig confirms that it’s grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news media, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the source being referenced is indeed something that can be physically identified or verified, avoiding its misuse for purely abstract or conceptual origins. Alternatives such as "a concrete origin" or "a verifiable source" may be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concrete origin

Emphasizes the physical and definite nature of the origin.

a verifiable origin

Highlights the ability to confirm or prove the source.

a physical root

Focuses on the physical base or foundation of something.

a material foundation

Highlights the tangible elements that serve as a base.

a solid basis

Stresses the reliability and strength of the origin.

a definite starting point

Emphasizes the clear and unmistakable origin.

a reliable resource

Shifts the focus to the dependability of the source.

a demonstrable cause

Focuses on the proven and evident reason behind something.

a factual basis

Highlights the grounding in reality and truth.

an evidential basis

Stresses the availability of proof and evidence.

FAQs

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

Use "a tangible source" to refer to a physical or concrete origin of something. For example, "The study identified a tangible source of pollution affecting the river."

What's the difference between "a tangible source" and "an intangible source"?

"A tangible source" refers to a physical or concrete origin, while "an intangible source" refers to an abstract or non-physical origin, such as an idea or emotion.

What can I say instead of "a tangible source"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a concrete origin", "a verifiable source", or "a physical root".

Is it correct to say "a tangible source of inspiration"?

It can be correct if the inspiration stems from a physical object or experience. However, if the inspiration is purely abstract, consider rephrasing to "an intangible source of inspiration" or specifying the concrete origin more clearly.