concrete topics

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'concrete topics' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to topics that are practical and specific, as opposed to abstract topics. For example, "The professor asked us to come up with concrete topics for our project, so we decided to focus on developing a new system for recycling plastic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The starter kit on the Conversation Project Web site offers both reassuring hand-holding and concrete topics to tackle.

The New York Times

Mr Putin and the European Commission's José Manuel Barroso plan to sign lengthy agreements on trade, regulation and cultural and scientific exchanges, as well as on such concrete topics as airlines' rights to fly over Siberia.Behind the friendly handshakes, though, the relationship between Russia and the EU is deteriorating.

The Economist

4. can convey information and ideas on abstract as well as concrete topics.

Language Testing in Asia

can convey information and ideas on abstract as well as concrete topics           5.

Language Testing in Asia

From the overall and transport futures developed, it is possible to draw specific implications for concrete topics.

European Journal of Futures Research

A hierarchical clustering from more abstract topics to more concrete topics based on time and conditions defined on aspect attributes has been described in [87].

Journal of Big Data

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The first concrete topic of discussion was unemployment.

The New York Times

From the overall and transport futures drawn, it becomes relatively straightforward to draw specific implications for a concrete topic.

European Journal of Futures Research

At the onset of each assessment session, the students were given a general concrete topic to write about (at paragraph level).

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

In this way, the Rhetoric illuminates Aristotle's writings in these comparatively theoretical areas by developing in concrete ways topics treated more abstractly elsewhere.

SEP

We kept the topics concrete and, when possible, linked to practical and everyday analogies for physical phenomena.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concrete topics", ensure the context clearly contrasts them with more abstract or theoretical concepts for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "concrete topics" as overly simplistic or lacking depth. While concrete implies practicality, it shouldn't equate to a lack of complexity or nuance. Ensure sufficient detail and analysis are provided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concrete topics" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "concrete" modifies the noun "topics". It describes the kind of topics being referred to, indicating they are specific, tangible, and practical, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concrete topics" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes specific, tangible, and practical subjects. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and formal communications. Related phrases like "specific subjects" and "tangible issues" offer similar meanings but with slight variations in nuance. When using "concrete topics", ensure a clear contrast with abstract ideas, and avoid oversimplification. It's a versatile phrase valuable for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific subjects

Emphasizes particularity and detail, shifting the focus from practicality to precision.

tangible issues

Replaces "topics" with "issues", highlighting a problem-oriented perspective rather than a general theme.

practical themes

Substitutes "topics" with "themes", suggesting underlying patterns or unifying ideas that are pragmatic.

definitive subjects

Indicates subjects that are clearly defined and not open to interpretation.

well-defined areas

Shifts the focus to a clearly marked scope, emphasizing distinct boundaries.

real world subjects

Highlights the connection to actual, observable phenomena, adding a dimension of veracity.

matter-of-fact themes

Adds a tone of plainness and directness, suggesting themes presented without embellishment.

down-to-earth subjects

Introduces a sense of simplicity and practicality, indicating subjects that are easily understandable.

realistic issues

Similar to tangible issues, yet emphasizes the grounding of issues in reality and possibility.

practical subject matters

Emphasizes usefulness and applicability, broadening the scope to encompass diverse subjects.

FAQs

How can I use "concrete topics" in a sentence?

You can use "concrete topics" to refer to specific and practical subjects, such as "The workshop covered "concrete topics" like budget planning and time management".

What are some alternatives to "concrete topics"?

Alternatives to "concrete topics" include "specific subjects", "tangible issues", or "practical themes", depending on the desired nuance.

What is the difference between "concrete topics" and abstract topics?

"Concrete topics" refer to subjects that are easily grasped and directly applicable, while abstract topics involve theoretical or conceptual ideas that are not immediately tangible.

Is it appropriate to use "concrete topics" in formal writing?

Yes, "concrete topics" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize the practical and specific nature of the subjects being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is well established in different contexts, according to the examples provided.