intangible assets

USAGE SUMMARY

"intangible assets" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it in any context where assets are discussed, particularly when discussing assets that are not physical or tangible. For example, "The company's intangible assets, such as patents and goodwill, are responsible for the bulk of its value."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Intangible assets.

The Economist

It was intangible assets".

The New Yorker

These companies have intangible assets.

The Guardian - Tech

Intangible assets are company dependent.

Harvard Business Review

So, what are intangible assets?

The Washington Post

Intangible assets are exchanged against intangible products.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

How Can We Measure Intangible Assets?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Other intangible assets amount to $6.5 billion.

The New York Times

Few would dispute that intangible assets matter.

Harvard Business Review

The first is the growing importance of intangible assets.

The Economist

I'm trying to understand emotional and intangible assets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a company's value, remember to explicitly mention "intangible assets" alongside tangible ones for a comprehensive picture. This is especially relevant in today's economy where intellectual property and brand recognition play significant roles.

Common error

Avoid using "intangible assets" and "intellectual property" interchangeably. While intellectual property (like patents and trademarks) is a type of intangible asset, not all intangible assets are intellectual property. For example, goodwill is an intangible asset but not intellectual property.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intangible assets" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage. Examples show it describing non-physical resources, crucial for business valuation and competitive advantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intangible assets" refers to non-physical resources that hold significant value for organizations. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct term and very common within business, academic, and news contexts. Related terms include "non-physical assets" and "intellectual property". When using the phrase, it's crucial to remember that intangible assets are distinct from tangible ones and not all intangible assets are intellectual property. As examples from Ludwig show, "intangible assets" are key components in evaluating a company's overall worth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-physical assets

Focuses on the absence of physical form as the defining characteristic.

intellectual property

Highlights the legal rights associated with creations of the mind.

goodwill and brand recognition

Specifically mentions two common types of intangible assets, focusing on reputation and brand value.

incorporeal property

Uses a more formal and legal term to describe assets that lack a physical body.

non-monetary assets without physical substance

Emphasizes the lack of both monetary and physical attributes.

invisible capital

Highlights the hidden or non-obvious nature of these assets as a form of capital.

knowledge-based assets

Focuses on the value derived from knowledge and expertise.

reputation and expertise

Specifically focuses on aspects of reputation and accumulated knowledge.

intellectual capital

Focuses on knowledge, skills, and relationships as key assets.

soft assets

Uses a more informal term to describe non-physical assets.

FAQs

What are some examples of "intangible assets"?

Examples of "intangible assets" include patents, trademarks, copyrights, brand recognition, goodwill, and proprietary knowledge. These assets lack physical substance but contribute significantly to a company's value.

How are "intangible assets" different from tangible assets?

Tangible assets are physical items such as buildings, equipment, and inventory. In contrast, "intangible assets" lack physical form and represent rights or privileges, such as patents or brand names. Tangible assets can be touched, while intangible assets cannot.

Why are "intangible assets" important for businesses?

"Intangible assets" can provide a competitive advantage, drive innovation, and increase a company's market value. They often represent unique capabilities or intellectual property that are difficult for competitors to replicate.

How do you account for "intangible assets"?

Accounting for "intangible assets" involves recognizing, measuring, and amortizing them over their useful lives. Some intangible assets, like purchased patents, are recorded on the balance sheet, while others, like internally developed brand recognition, may not be.