actual physical objects

USAGE SUMMARY

"actual physical objects" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is tangible and not just theoretical or abstract. Example: "The history museum has a collection of actual physical objects used by ancient civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Not to mention, the light in his chest actually shines onto actual physical objects as well.

Vice

"You realise these things are actual physical objects.

The Guardian - Arts

"The Company Men" reflects that America is no longer in the business of building and making actual physical objects.

The New York Times

I don't mean on the reputations or royalties of the authors who wrote the books but on the actual physical objects themselves.

The New York Times - Books

People on the fringes of tech, often early adopters of new devices and gadgets, are now working with 3-D printers that can churn out actual physical objects.

The New York Times

Insurance companies and semiconductor manufacturers are different animals: One makes money abstractly on paper, and the other produces actual physical objects.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Once it's there, I can make the actual physical object quickly".

The New Yorker

Her current project, under way in Sonoma County in California, adroitly combines her love of process with an actual physical object.

The New York Times - Arts

All the works are like pieces of music in the sense that they're scores, they're instructions, which makes me feel better about them in the sense that it makes the actual physical object less important, less precious.

The Guardian

The mere concept of recording news on paper is treated as a quaint novelty: You can cut it up and make your own headlines, for example, because it's an actual physical object.

The New Yorker

Would I lose the precious cheering fragments of memories if I lost the actual physical object?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actual physical objects" when you need to clearly distinguish tangible items from abstract concepts, digital representations, or theoretical constructs.

Common error

Avoid using "actual physical objects" when the context already implies physicality. For instance, instead of saying "holding actual physical objects", simply say "holding objects" if it's already clear you're not referring to digital or abstract items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual physical objects" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier. The adjective "actual" reinforces the tangible and real nature of the "physical objects". Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actual physical objects" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the tangible and real nature of objects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is particularly useful when distinguishing physical items from abstract concepts or digital representations. While the phrase appears in formal contexts like science and encyclopedias, it is most prevalent in news and media. When writing, be mindful to avoid redundancy and use the phrase judiciously to enhance clarity. Consider using alternatives like "material objects" or "tangible items" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

material objects

Focuses on the physical substance of the objects.

tangible items

Focuses on the tangibility and perceptibility of the objects.

touchable items

Highlights that items can be interacted with via touch.

real-world objects

Emphasizes the existence of the objects in the physical world.

concrete things

Highlights the non-abstract nature of the objects.

palpable entities

Stresses the ability to be touched or felt.

physical artifacts

Implies objects of historical or cultural significance.

corporeal items

Highlights the bodily or physical nature of the items.

three-dimensional objects

Specifies the spatial dimensions of the objects.

existent physical forms

Emphasizes the current existence and physical shape of the objects.

FAQs

How can I use "actual physical objects" in a sentence?

You can use "actual physical objects" to emphasize the tangible nature of something, such as, "The museum displays "actual physical objects" from the Bronze Age".

What are some alternatives to "actual physical objects"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "tangible items", "material objects", or "real-world objects".

When is it necessary to specify "actual" physical objects rather than just "physical objects"?

Use "actual physical objects" when you need to distinguish them from virtual, simulated, or abstract representations of objects. For example, when discussing augmented reality versus "real-world objects".

Is "actual physical objects" redundant?

While "physical objects" alone often suffices, ""actual physical objects"" can be useful for emphasis or clarity when contrasting with non-physical or virtual entities.