it seems tangible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems tangible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears to be real or concrete, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The idea of a perfect world seems tangible when we discuss it passionately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Furthermore, despite the talk of a warming of relations between the US and Pakistan over the past year, the dearth of information sharing between Washington and Islamabad seems tangible, as the militants recently discovered in al Qaeda's Shorabak camps likely ended up there after being pushed across the border by Pakistani security forces".

Vice

In the opening minutes, that possibility seemed tangible.

The New York Times - Sports

The possibility of flipping the House needed to seem tangible.

The New Yorker

Somehow, sitting at my desktop computer and seeing the Philharmonic play live in North Korea, where the Internet is banned, seemed tangible evidence of barriers falling.

The New York Times - Arts

As the toll mounted — at least 68 were reported dead by late Sunday, with several people still unaccounted for — the potential for even greater loss of life seemed tangible.

The New York Times

But what seemed tangible from a distance, on closer inspection very often melted into thin air".Most books about this country tend to dwell on the Khmer Rouge years between 1975 and 1979, when nearly 2m people were killed in South-East Asia's Great Leap Forward.

The Economist

Even for Gruden, who describes himself as "not a deep guy," memories nearly two years old suddenly seem tangible, memories of his greatest night as a head coach, Jan . 26 , 2003when his Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII.

The New York Times

The nervous tension in the room seemed tangible as students handed in their homework, a detailed list of their personal goals for the semester: talk to a stranger, go to professors' office hours, sound more confident on the phone, offer three opinions in class, greet an authority figure, learn to enter conversations.

The New York Times

His striking sense of color and light, and his inventiveness, allow Zoraidez to create projects that seem tangible, yet also strangely contrived.

Vice

When your family and so many close friends have careers in the arts, you do have some examples around that make it seem a tangible dream, however crazy it truly is.

Huffington Post

But if you say, 'Well, actually you need to exhibit self-control,' or you explain the value of social intelligence — this will help you collaborate more effectively — then it seems a bit more tangible".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems tangible" when you want to convey that something abstract is beginning to feel real or achievable. For example, "After months of planning, our dream of opening a restaurant it seems tangible."

Common error

Avoid using "it seems tangible" in purely abstract contexts where a sense of physical reality is inappropriate. For instance, saying "The concept of justice it seems tangible" might be better phrased as "The concept of justice is becoming clearer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems tangible" functions as a qualifier, modifying a subject by indicating that something has the appearance of being real or achievable. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems tangible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a sense of emerging reality or attainability. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and formal communications. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in overly abstract scenarios. For similar expressions, consider options like "it appears real" or "it feels real". Remember, while it suggests a sense of certainty, it does not denote it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears real

Focuses on the apparent reality of something, similar to "it seems tangible" but with a slightly different emphasis on visual perception.

it feels real

Emphasizes the sensory experience of reality, making it more personal and immediate than "it seems tangible".

it looks achievable

Shifts the focus to the attainability of a goal or outcome, suggesting that success is within reach.

it presents as feasible

Highlights the feasibility or practicality of something, often in a more formal or analytical context.

it comes across as concrete

Emphasizes the solid or definite nature of something, suggesting a lack of ambiguity or uncertainty.

it gives the impression of being real

Focuses on the perceived reality, rather than an objective truth, suggesting a subjective interpretation.

it strikes one as palpable

Suggests that something is so evident that it can almost be felt or touched, emphasizing its obviousness.

it seems within reach

Highlights the attainability of something, focusing on the proximity to a desired outcome.

it is seemingly attainable

Focuses on the apparent attainability of something, with emphasis on the perception aspect.

it has a touchable quality

Emphasizes the concrete and perceptible characteristic of something, focusing on the ability to be sensed.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems tangible" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems tangible" to describe something that was once abstract but now feels real or achievable. For example, "After years of hard work, success it seems tangible."

What phrases are similar to "it seems tangible"?

Alternatives include "it appears real", "it feels real", or "it looks achievable", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it seems tangible" in formal writing?

Yes, "it seems tangible" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a goal or outcome that is becoming more concrete. However, consider alternatives like "it presents as feasible" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "it seems tangible" and "it is tangible"?

"It seems tangible" implies that something appears to be real or achievable, while "it is tangible" states that something is definitively real or achievable. The former suggests a degree of uncertainty or perception, whereas the latter is a statement of fact.