a tangible thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangible thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has a physical presence or can be touched or perceived through the senses. Example: "In the realm of abstract concepts, love is often contrasted with a tangible thing like a gift."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

To become a tangible thing?

The Guardian - Books

Helping low-income people get good food on the table, that is a tangible thing".

The New York Times

However, culture is not a tangible thing that can be taken down from a shelf and inspected.

The Guardian - Business

The psychometric reality, however, is that learning cannot be measured as a precise quantity because it is not a tangible thing.

The New York Times

"During a period in which American companies have created iPhones, Home Depot and Lipitor," Cassidy writes, the industry reaping the highest profits and compensation is one that "doesn't design, build or sell a tangible thing".

The New York Times

But we know things haven't turned out that way, and it's now the wily and tech-enabled citizen who embarrasses companies and politicians or becomes a virtual celebrity or — why not? — makes Brawdo a tangible thing in the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It allowed the government to seize "any tangible thing" from a company as long as officials proved to the FISA court that the item was "sought for an investigation to protect against international terrorism".

The New Yorker

"Any more information or any tangible thing we can take on those calls is very helpful," Knight told his colleagues.

Los Angeles Times

This largely fruitless attempt at making summer a reality, a tangible, real thing, only serves to remind us how terrible most summers are.

Vice

Before you chase me out with the hardcover edition of A Thousand Plateaus though, music is a very tangible thing for me.

Vice

In other words, during a period in which American companies have created iPhones, Home Depot, and Lipitor, the best place to work has been in an industry that doesn't design, build, or sell a single tangible thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tangible thing" to emphasize the concrete or material nature of something, especially when contrasting it with abstract ideas or intangible concepts. For example: "While love is an abstract feeling, a gift is a tangible thing that shows affection."

Common error

Avoid using "a tangible thing" when describing purely abstract concepts. While you can use it metaphorically, overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, reserve it for situations where physical presence or concrete evidence is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangible thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it helps to define something real, solid, or perceptible, especially in contrast to abstract concepts or feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Huffington Post

12%

The New Yorker

7%

TechCrunch

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tangible thing" is a common phrase used to emphasize the concrete or material nature of something, particularly when contrasted with abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when you want to highlight the physical or perceptible qualities of something. However, avoid overuse or applying it too loosely to abstract concepts, as this can dilute its impact. Consider alternatives like "a concrete object" or "a material object" to refine your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A touchable item

Replaces "tangible" with the more straightforward "touchable", maintaining a focus on physical interaction.

A material object

Highlights the substance or matter of the thing, rather than its accessibility to the senses.

A concrete entity

Changes the adjective from 'tangible' to 'concrete', emphasizing the physical reality of the thing.

An actual entity

Replaces "tangible" with "actual", emphasizing the genuineness and factuality of the thing.

A palpable object

Replaces 'tangible' with 'palpable', focusing on the sense of touch as the means of perception.

A physical form

Focuses on the physical shape or structure of something rather than its tangibility.

A perceptible item

Substitutes 'tangible' with 'perceptible', broadening the scope to include any sensory experience.

A solid presence

Focuses on the feeling of something being substantial and present.

A real phenomenon

Shifts from the characteristic of being touchable to something actually existing or happening.

An observable fact

Emphasizes the visibility and verifiability of the thing.

FAQs

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

Use "a tangible thing" to refer to something that can be perceived through the senses, like touch or sight. For example, "Unlike emotions, money is "a tangible thing" you can hold in your hand."

What are some synonyms for "a tangible thing"?

Alternatives include "a concrete object", "a physical item", or "a material object". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a tangible thing"?

While 'tangible' inherently implies something that is a thing, the phrase is not necessarily redundant. It emphasizes the concrete nature of something, especially in contrast to something abstract or intangible.

What's the difference between "a tangible thing" and "a tangible asset"?

"A tangible thing" is a general term referring to anything perceptible. "A tangible asset" refers specifically to a physical item that has economic value, such as property or equipment.