in concrete terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in concrete terms" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It means to express something in specific and unambiguous terms. For example, you could say: "Our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% in the next five years in concrete terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Congress has reflected that changing concern twice in concrete terms.

The New York Times

In concrete terms, Medicare's entire budget is about $450 billion.

The New York Times

What do we get out of it, in concrete terms?

The New York Times

"To hire me was an insignificant decision, if you think in concrete terms.

The New Yorker

They want to know, in concrete terms, what you are going to do for them.

The New York Times

In concrete terms, you won't make globalization more equable in its distribution of income without politics.

The New York Times

What the Games brought to the city in concrete terms mainly involves public transport and security.

The Guardian

In concrete terms, those visits produced only modest gestures and assurances.

The New York Times

Voltaire's point was that the two ideas are, in concrete terms, the same idea.

The New Yorker

In concrete terms, why does it matter if America retreats and China advances?

The New Yorker

In concrete terms Mr. Obama's indebtedness to Roosevelt's approach is just as direct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in concrete terms" to clarify abstract concepts or proposals, making them more relatable and understandable to your audience. For example, instead of saying 'We will improve customer satisfaction,' say 'In concrete terms, we will reduce customer wait times by 15% and increase the availability of customer support staff.'

Common error

While "in concrete terms" is useful for clarification, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using alternative phrases like "specifically", "explicitly", or "practically" to achieve the same goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in concrete terms" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, specifying how something should be understood or acted upon. As Ludwig AI explains, this expression serves to clarify abstract ideas, making them more specific and understandable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in concrete terms" serves as a valuable tool for enhancing clarity and specificity in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific sources, the phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, clarifying abstract ideas and promoting comprehension. To avoid redundancy, consider alternatives like "specifically" or "explicitly". By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "in concrete terms" to create more impactful and understandable content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in explicit terms

Emphasizes clarity and directness, yet could be perceived as less practical than "concrete terms".

specifically speaking

This alternative focuses on pinpointing details but might lack the practicality implied by "concrete".

in measurable terms

This focuses more on the quantifiable aspect, which could be a subset of what is "concrete".

to be precise

Highlights accuracy but might not be as versatile in contexts requiring practicality.

to put it plainly

Highlights straightforward communication, potentially sacrificing detail for simplicity.

in simple terms

Similar to "layman's terms", this focuses on making something easy to grasp, potentially omitting finer details.

in detail

Focuses on thoroughness and completeness of the information.

in layman's terms

Indicates simplification for a general audience, suitable when detailed expertise is unnecessary.

precisely

Implies exactness and accuracy but doesn't necessarily convey practicality.

in understandable language

This emphasizes that the language used has to be simple to understand, but it doesn't focus on practicality.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "in concrete terms" in a sentence?

Use "in concrete terms" to transition from a general statement to a specific example or measurable outcome. For instance, "The company aims to improve employee well-being; "in concrete terms", this means providing flexible work hours and enhanced health benefits."

What are some alternatives to saying "in concrete terms"?

You can use alternatives like "specifically", "explicitly", "practically", "in detail", or "to put it plainly" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be abstract or use "in concrete terms" when explaining a concept?

It depends on your audience and the complexity of the concept. Starting with an abstract idea can provide a general overview, but using "in concrete terms" helps to ground the idea in reality and make it more understandable and relatable.

How does using "in concrete terms" affect the clarity of communication?

Using "in concrete terms" significantly improves clarity by moving from generalities to specifics, ensuring the audience understands the practical implications and measurable outcomes of a statement or proposal.