it was palpable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was palpable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is so intense or obvious that it can almost be physically felt, often in emotional or atmospheric contexts. Example: "The tension in the room was so thick, it was palpable as everyone awaited the announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

There were no politics — the host Kelsey Grammer oddly restrained — just a guild honoring its members, a group so talented and skilled that it was palpable.

The New York Times

His joy at seeing Wallis, as Wallis and others remember it, was palpable -- a president, wrestling with faith and its role at a time of peril, seeing that rare bird: an independent counselor.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was palpable.

The New York Times - Magazine

My enthusiasm for discovering it was palpable and contagious.

The New York Times

The inspector loved it so much it was palpable.

The New Yorker

"And it was palpable, after that, how quickly I was typecast.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

When I'm in Beijing or Shanghai, I have a happy sense of enthusiasm about what we can do in the future, and its insatiable; it's palpable.

The Washington Post

It is palpable.

Independent

It's palpable".

The New Yorker

But it's palpable.

The New York Times

But it's palpable nonetheless.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was palpable" to describe atmospheres, emotions, or tensions that are almost physically felt by those present. It's effective in narrative writing to create a sense of immediacy.

Common error

Avoid using "it was palpable" to describe purely abstract concepts or ideas that lack a sensory component. Reserve it for situations where the intensity or presence is so strong it feels almost tangible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was palpable" functions as a descriptive statement. Ludwig's examples show it attributing a quality (palpability) to a preceding subject, highlighting the intensity or obviousness of a situation or feeling. It underscores a sensory or emotional impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was palpable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something so intense or obvious that it can almost be physically felt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To use the expression effectively, ensure it describes something with a strong, almost tangible presence, avoiding its application to purely abstract concepts. Related phrases like "it was evident" or "it was obvious" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific context you wish to highlight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was readily apparent

Replaces "palpable" with "readily apparent", focusing on the ease of noticing something.

it was clearly evident

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of something.

it was plainly obvious

Stresses the lack of subtlety in something's manifestation.

it was easily felt

Directly refers to the sensation of feeling something, maintaining a literal interpretation.

it was acutely noticeable

Highlights the sharp and immediate nature of something being noticed.

it was impossible to ignore

Shifts focus to the compelling nature of something that demands attention.

the atmosphere was thick with

Alters the sentence structure to describe the atmosphere, implying a palpable quality.

you could feel it in the air

Uses a more idiomatic expression to suggest a widespread sensation.

it permeated everything

Focuses on the pervasive nature of something, suggesting it's easily felt everywhere.

it resonated deeply

Highlights the profound impact and emotional connection to something, rather than its obviousness.

FAQs

What does "it was palpable" mean?

The phrase "it was palpable" means something was so intense or obvious that it could almost be physically felt. It's used to describe atmospheres, emotions, or qualities that are strongly present.

How can I use "it was palpable" in a sentence?

You can use "it was palpable" to describe feelings or atmospheres. For example, "The tension in the room was so thick, it was palpable" or "Her excitement was so strong, "it was palpable" to everyone present."

What are some alternatives to "it was palpable"?

Alternatives to "it was palpable" include phrases like "it was evident", "it was obvious", "it was tangible", or "it was noticeable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the silence was palpable"?

Yes, saying "the silence was palpable" is a correct and evocative way to describe a silence that is so intense it feels almost physically present and heavy.