as tangible as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as tangible as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the physicality or perceptibility of two different things, emphasizing that one is as concrete or real as the other. Example: "The emotions expressed in her painting were as tangible as the brushstrokes on the canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Education may not be as tangible as green jobs.

The New York Times - Magazine

The agency views the Meow Mix brand heritage to be, he added, "as tangible as a factory or as tangible as the product in and of itself".

The New York Times

Continual references to "the unconscious" suggest a place as tangible as, say, The Hague.

The New Yorker

Still, their allure is as tangible as the satellite dishes that sprout everywhere from village rooftops.

The New York Times

They are sounds I have created to be as tangible as possible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A bass line as tangible as a body, reminding us of the riddle of physical matter.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was an age when these quotients were held to measure something as tangible as height or weight.

The New Yorker

As a result, the employees who make ethical choices become at least as tangible as those who don't.

Harvard Business Review

At the brief military memorial service at the military induction base here, the guilt was as tangible as the grief.

The New York Times

We don't dare to talk about it, but it's as tangible as the blare of car horns outside our windows: What will happen when he grows old?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They exist as concepts but not as tangible entities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as tangible as" when you want to emphasize the realness or physical presence of an abstract concept by comparing it to something concrete. For example, "The tension in the room was as tangible as a brick wall."

Common error

Avoid using "as tangible as" when comparing two abstract concepts. This can create a confusing or weak analogy. Instead, use it to ground an abstract idea in a physical reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as tangible as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It connects two nouns by highlighting their shared quality of being perceptible to the senses or easily understood. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to equate abstract concepts with concrete realities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

13%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as tangible as" is a versatile tool for writers aiming to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and concrete realities. Ludwig's analysis reveals that this comparative phrase, deemed grammatically correct and very common, effectively emphasizes the substantiality or realness of something by drawing a comparison to something easily perceived. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Academia, it's best used to ground abstract ideas in physical realities, avoiding overuse in comparing abstract concepts to each other. When seeking alternatives, consider options such as ""just as real as"" or "equally palpable as" to maintain clarity and impact. Remember, the power of "as tangible as" lies in its ability to make the intangible… well, almost tangible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as real as

Emphasizes the reality of something being compared.

equally palpable as

Highlights the perceptibility of both items.

comparably concrete to

Focuses on the solid, factual nature of the comparison.

as perceptible as

Emphasizes how easily something can be noticed or understood.

as noticeable as

Highlights the ease with which something is observed.

as evident as

Indicates that something is clearly apparent.

as obvious as

Implies that something is unmistakable and plain.

as clear as

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity.

as substantial as

Highlights the significant or considerable nature of something.

virtually as tactile as

Emphasizes near tangibility, nearly able to be touched or felt.

FAQs

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

You can use "as tangible as" to compare something abstract to something concrete, emphasizing its realness or impact. For example, "The hope in her voice was "just as real as" the tears in her eyes."

What are some alternatives to using "as tangible as"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""just as real as"", "equally palpable as", or "comparably concrete to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "as intangible as"?

While grammatically correct, saying something is "as intangible as" can be redundant. Intangibility implies a lack of physical presence, so the comparison might not add significant meaning. Consider rephrasing to emphasize what something lacks.

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

"As tangible as" emphasizes the physical presence or concrete nature of something, while "as real as" emphasizes its actuality or genuineness. While often interchangeable, "as tangible as" is more suitable when a physical analogy is intended.