in concreto

USAGE SUMMARY

"in concrete" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom that means "in tangible, visible, or measurable terms," and is often used to refer to something made real or manifested. For example, "The positive effects of her work are felt in concrete ways by her local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's like when you're filling in concrete," she said.

The New Yorker

It's set in concrete".

The New Yorker

Neither measure is yet set in concrete.

The Economist

"Everyone lives in concrete huts now.

The Economist

"Now it is written in concrete".

The New Yorker

What does this mean in concrete terms?

Cornell University

in concrete collection classes (e.g. THashTable).

Stanford University

It will soon be encased in concrete.

The New York Times

He always spoke in concrete, practical terms.

The New Yorker

The effects of this history linger in concrete ways".

The New York Times

But Mr. Kim's vision is not set in concrete.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in concreto", ensure the context requires a formal or somewhat legalistic tone, as it's not commonly used in everyday conversation. Prefer simpler alternatives like "specifically" or "in practical terms" for broader clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in concreto" when simpler, more direct language would suffice. Overly formal language can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear. Opt for everyday expressions like "specifically" or "in practice" for better communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in concreto" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that something is being considered in its tangible or practical aspects. Ludwig AI, however, doesn't provide examples due to the term's rarity.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in concreto" serves to specify that a matter is being considered from a tangible, practical standpoint. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is infrequent in contemporary English and leans towards formal or legalistic contexts. As there are no examples found by Ludwig, opting for simpler and more direct alternatives like "specifically" or "in practical terms" can enhance clarity and accessibility in communication. When choosing between "in concreto" and its alternatives, consider the audience and the desired level of formality to ensure the message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in tangible terms

Focuses on what can be touched or felt, differing from "in concreto" by emphasizing physical evidence.

in practical terms

Highlights the practicality and real-world application, shifting the emphasis from theoretical to functional.

in specific terms

Emphasizes detailed and precise language, changing the focus from abstract to exact.

in definite terms

Stresses clarity and lack of ambiguity, moving from a general to an unequivocal expression.

in measurable terms

Concentrates on quantifiable aspects, making the concept assessable through data.

in real terms

Highlights the actual or true value, differing by correcting for inflation or other distortions.

specifically

Offers a direct and concise alternative, reducing the phrase to an adverb.

concretely

Provides a single-word adverbial form, simplifying the expression.

in explicit detail

Stresses thoroughness and clarity in description, expanding on the concept.

in demonstrable ways

Highlights evidence and proof, shifting the focus to observable results.

FAQs

How can I use "in concreto" in a sentence?

While not common, "in concreto" can be used to specify tangible or real-world aspects of a situation. For more common alternatives, consider phrases like "in tangible terms" or "in practical terms".

What are some alternatives to "in concreto"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "in concreto" with phrases like "specifically", "in specific terms", or "concretely".

Is "in concreto" formal or informal?

"In concreto" leans towards the formal side. For informal situations, simpler alternatives such as "actually" or "really" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "in concreto" over other alternatives?

Use "in concreto" when you want to emphasize the tangible, real-world aspects of a concept, often in legal or philosophical contexts. If the goal is simply clarity or practicality, "in practical terms" or "specifically" might be better choices.