less tangible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less tangible" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is difficult to define or pinpoint, such as a feeling or concept. Example: The impact of her mentor's guidance was less tangible, but no less significant, than the concrete skills she learned in her job training.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr Correa offers less tangible benefits.

The Economist

The third is something less tangible.

Independent

There are also less tangible tensions.

The New York Times - Sports

Other worries are less tangible.

The New York Times

Her aims are less tangible, more ambitious.

The Guardian - Sport

And there is the less tangible effect.

The New York Times

There are less tangible costs, too.

The New York Times

This felt to me both less tangible and more concrete.

The New York Times

They are less tangible, but no less important".

The New York Times - Science

But for many, the problem is less tangible.

The New York Times

This book works on you in less tangible ways.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "less tangible" to emphasize their intangible nature and provide concrete examples to help the reader grasp the concept.

Common error

Avoid using "less tangible" when the concept is simply abstract. "Less tangible" implies a difficulty in perceiving or grasping something, not just a lack of physical form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less tangible" functions primarily as an adjective modifier. It describes a quality or characteristic that is not easily perceived or measured, often used to contrast with something more concrete. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less tangible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes something not easily perceived or measured. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse fields like news, science, and business. When using "less tangible", ensure that you are highlighting intangible qualities and providing context for better understanding. While useful, avoid overuse and consider alternatives such as "less concrete" or "less evident" depending on the specific context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "less tangible" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less concrete

Emphasizes the lack of physical or definite form.

less evident

Highlights that something is not immediately obvious or apparent.

less perceptible

Focuses on the difficulty in noticing or sensing something.

less apparent

Indicates something is not readily visible or understood.

less measurable

Stresses the difficulty in quantifying or assessing something.

less appreciable

Suggests something is not easily recognized or valued.

less discernible

Highlights the difficulty in distinguishing or recognizing something.

less substantial

Implies a lack of significant or solid presence.

less obvious

Highlights that something is not easily noticed or understood.

harder to define

Focuses on the difficulty in setting forth the meaning of something clearly and concisely.

FAQs

How can I use "less tangible" in a sentence?

Use "less tangible" to describe something that isn't easily defined or measured, such as a feeling or an abstract concept. For instance, "The benefits of art education are often "less tangible" than improved test scores, but they are still significant."

What's a good alternative to "less tangible"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "less tangible" could include "less concrete", "less evident", or "less measurable". Choose the word that best reflects the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "less tangible"?

While "less tangible" is grammatically correct, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. It's best suited for situations where something exists but isn't easily perceived or quantified. In some cases, a word like "abstract" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "less tangible" and "less concrete"?

"Less tangible" refers to something that is difficult to grasp or define, while "less concrete" refers to something that lacks physical form or definite shape. Although similar, "less tangible" is often used for abstract concepts or feelings, while "less concrete" is used for physical things or factual matters.