an intangible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intangible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that cannot be touched or physically measured, often in contexts like emotions, concepts, or qualities. Example: "Trust is an intangible asset that can greatly influence team dynamics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's almost an intangible.

The New York Times

It's an intangible.

The New York Times

And there's an intangible there.

The New York Times - Arts

That's an intangible.

The New York Times - Sports

He's an intangible guy.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's an intangible thing with Charlie.

The New York Times - Sports

Life insurance is an intangible, and selling an intangible is very difficult.

The New York Times

It's a little bit of an intangible thing.

The New York Times

That is an intangible and critical part of casino marketing".

The New York Times

Trade secrets can include an intangible process, technique or method.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

James Galvin's natural world extends into "an invisible world--an intangible world," as he puts it.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like trust or company culture, use "an intangible" to highlight their non-physical but significant impact. For instance, "Company culture is an intangible asset that directly impacts employee morale."

Common error

Avoid using "an intangible" as a catch-all term when you can identify the specific quality or attribute. Instead of saying "Team chemistry is an intangible", try "Team chemistry relies on mutual respect and clear communication."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intangible" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe something that lacks physical presence or cannot be easily quantified. For example, "Love is an intangible."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intangible" is a noun phrase used to describe something that lacks physical properties and is often difficult to define or measure. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While frequently used, it's important to avoid vagueness by identifying the specific quality when possible. Alternatives include "an indefinable quality" or "an abstract notion". The phrase is considered grammatically sound with a neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indefinable quality

Focuses on the difficulty of defining a specific characteristic.

an elusive aspect

Highlights the difficulty in grasping or understanding something.

an immeasurable element

Emphasizes the inability to quantify a particular component.

a subtle nuance

Refers to a delicate and often overlooked aspect.

an abstract notion

Highlights the conceptual and non-concrete nature of an idea.

a hidden advantage

Emphasizes a benefit that is not immediately apparent.

an invisible asset

Focuses on the value that is not physically present.

a mysterious attribute

Highlights the enigmatic nature of a feature.

a non-physical entity

Stresses the lack of physical form or substance.

an unquantifiable factor

Emphasizes the impossibility of measuring a specific element.

FAQs

How can I use "an intangible" in a sentence?

Use "an intangible" to describe something that exists but isn't physical or easily measured, such as "Trust is "an intangible" asset in any successful partnership."

What is a good synonym for "an intangible"?

Alternatives to "an intangible" include "an indefinable quality", "an abstract notion", or "an elusive aspect", depending on the context.

How does "an intangible" differ from "a tangible"?

"An intangible" refers to something that cannot be physically touched or measured, whereas "a tangible" refers to something that is physical and can be touched or measured.

Is it correct to say something has "an intangible value"?

Yes, it's correct. You can say something has "an intangible value" to highlight that its value isn't monetary or material, but rather stems from something like reputation, emotional connection or a sense of community.