as palpable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as palpable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the clarity or intensity of something to another thing that is easily perceived or understood. Example: "The tension in the room was as palpable as the heat of the summer sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The frustration, though, is as palpable as their inconsistency.

The New York Times - Sports

His fear is as palpable as it is pitiable.

The New Yorker

Their fear was as palpable as their rage.

The New York Times

That excitement is as palpable as it is peculiar.

The New York Times - Books

Cold, hunger and muddle are as palpable as fear.

The New York Times - Books

Here in Monrovia, the connection is deep, as palpable as the thick, humid air.

The New York Times

The sense of excitement was as palpable as the sweet sheddy smell of the observatory.

Independent

But for Florence a "visceral dread, a helpless disgust as palpable as seasickness" is overwhelming her.

The Economist

The terror of the hostage takers is as palpable as that of the hostages.

Independent

Her grief, early in this book, is as palpable as her confusion.

The New York Times - Books

THE relief was as palpable as the surf on the beach.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as palpable as" to describe feelings, atmospheres, or sensations that are strongly felt and easily noticed. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the intensity and clarity of a non-physical experience by comparing it to something tangible.

Common error

Avoid using "as palpable as" to describe objects or physical attributes that are already inherently tangible. The phrase works best when relating abstract feelings or atmospheres to something concrete for emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as palpable as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, serving to emphasize the intensity or clarity of a feeling, atmosphere, or sensation by comparing it to something tangible and easily perceived. As supported by Ludwig, it highlights the ability to be readily and clearly sensed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as palpable as" is a comparative adjective phrase used to vividly emphasize the intensity or clarity of something intangible by comparing it to a tangible experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, with a neutral to formal register. Its primary function is to create a strong and clear impression by making abstract concepts more relatable. When using this phrase, ensure it is applied to feelings or atmospheres rather than physical objects, and consider alternatives like "as evident as" or "as clear as" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as evident as

Emphasizes the obviousness of something, shifting the focus from feeling to visibility.

as clear as

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity of a situation or feeling.

as obvious as

Stresses the unmistakable nature of something, making it very easy to perceive.

as noticeable as

Focuses on how easily something can be detected or observed.

as tangible as

Emphasizes the physical or concrete nature of something, making it feel real and present.

as perceptible as

Highlights the ability to be sensed or recognized, often through subtle cues.

as distinct as

Emphasizes the sharp and clear differentiation of something.

as real as

Highlights the authenticity and genuineness of something.

readily apparent

Highlights that something is very easy to notice or understand.

easily discernible

Focuses on the ease with which something can be distinguished or recognized.

FAQs

How can I use "as palpable as" in a sentence?

The phrase "as palpable as" is used to compare something intangible to something tangible to emphasize its clarity or intensity. For example, "The tension in the room was "as palpable as" a physical barrier."

What can I say instead of "as palpable as"?

You can use alternatives like "as evident as", "as clear as", or "as obvious as" depending on the context. These alternatives offer similar ways to emphasize the clarity or intensity of something.

Is it appropriate to use "as palpable as" in formal writing?

Yes, "as palpable as" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing atmospheres or feelings in a vivid and emphatic way. Its use in reputable news sources and academic texts demonstrates its acceptability in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "as palpable as" and "as tangible as"?

"As palpable as" is used to describe something that is strongly felt or easily perceived, even if it is not physical. "As tangible as", on the other hand, implies something that can be physically touched or handled. Palpable often bridges the gap between the abstract and concrete, while tangible strictly relates to the physical.