a tangible symbol of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangible symbol of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that represents or signifies a particular idea, value, or concept in a physical form. Example: "The statue stands as a tangible symbol of freedom and resilience for the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Religious people throughout time have felt great resonance in a tangible symbol of their ethereal beliefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a tangible symbol of rip-off Britain and the failed privatisation of the public sector, it is exemplary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those who want a tangible symbol of their patriotism can buy additional government bonds, which will help repair an extra bridge or hire an extra math teacher.

The New York Times

It matters only as a tangible symbol of this subtle, pernicious, destructive system we live with and, by and large, accept.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In addition to air and sea-based missiles, the United States keeps nuclear warheads in Germany, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands as a tangible symbol of its promise to shield its allies from outside nuclear threats.

The Washington Post

The verbal heritage of the new Times Square, by contrast, is typified by this declaration from the C.E.O. of Toys RR" Us: "A flagship store is important to serve as a tangible symbol of change, to be the ultimate example of what the strategy is when the strategy is fully articulated".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Germany's initiative, the commission says, "has made the German university system more dynamic and has become a tangible symbol for the will to improve the international competitiveness of German universities".

Science Magazine

Her description of winter in the suburbs, for instance, treats the snow as a tangible symbol for — but also as an alternative to — abstraction: "snow blots out the words on the strip mall marquee.

The New Yorker

There is something about a cape, about a mask, about an external, tangible, symbol of strength and determination.

Huffington Post

The fall of the Berlin Wall provided such a potent, tangible symbol of the end of Communist hegemony in Eastern Europe that it has become easy to forget the leading role that the Solidarity movement in Poland played in breaking down the aura of invincibility of the authoritarian regimes of the Warsaw Pact.

The New York Times

Thomas's sleek prosthetic is a rare tangible symbol of the damage done by alcohol to the British Army, where a hard-drinking culture poses risks to the most vulnerable that can be every bit as deadly as serving in a war zone.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tangible symbol of" when you want to emphasize that something abstract is being represented by something that can be touched or seen. This phrase is especially effective when discussing concepts like hope, change, or patriotism.

Common error

Avoid pairing "a tangible symbol of" with concepts that are already concrete. For instance, saying "the house is a tangible symbol of the family's wealth" is redundant since the house itself is already a tangible representation of wealth. Instead, use the phrase to connect abstract ideas with physical forms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangible symbol of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something concrete that represents an abstract idea or concept. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tangible symbol of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something physical that represents an abstract idea, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, offering a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that it connects an abstract idea with a physical form to avoid redundancy, and do not use it with concepts that are already concrete. Considering alternatives like "a physical representation of" or "a concrete manifestation of" can also help refine your writing depending on the context. The phrase serves to emphasize the physical presence of an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a physical representation of

Replaces "tangible symbol" with a more direct description of physical representation.

a concrete manifestation of

Emphasizes the solid and real nature of the representation.

a palpable sign of

Highlights the easily perceptible nature of the symbol.

a visible embodiment of

Focuses on the visual aspect of the representation.

a material expression of

Stresses the physical form as an expression of something.

a clear indicator of

Shifts the focus to the symbol as a pointer or sign.

a telling artifact of

Suggests the symbol is an object that reveals something about the past or present.

a definitive marker of

Implies the symbol is a clear and unambiguous sign.

a solid testament to

Emphasizes the symbol as proof or evidence of something.

a striking emblem of

Highlights the memorable and distinctive nature of the symbol.

FAQs

How can I use "a tangible symbol of" in a sentence?

You can use "a tangible symbol of" to describe something physical that represents an abstract idea. For example, "The monument is "a tangible symbol of" the nation's resilience".

What are some alternatives to "a tangible symbol of"?

Alternatives include "a physical representation of", "a concrete manifestation of", or "a palpable sign of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "a tangible symbol of" with something already physical?

Yes, it can be redundant. The phrase is most effective when connecting an abstract concept with a physical object that represents it. Using it with something already physical can weaken your writing.

What's the difference between "a tangible symbol of" and "a metaphor for"?

"A tangible symbol of" refers to a physical object representing an abstract concept, whereas "a metaphor for" uses one thing to represent another in a non-literal way. A flag might be "a tangible symbol of" patriotism, while calling a difficult situation "a storm" is a metaphor.