make them concrete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make them concrete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need for clarity or specificity in ideas, plans, or concepts. Example: "To improve our project proposal, we need to make them concrete by providing detailed examples and data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Technical specifications are translated into scenarios to make them concrete and easy to understand for non-technical users, and contextual details are added to encourage user engagement.

Journal of Systems and Software

"It's the ability to connect abstract ideas and make them concrete," was his answer.

HuffPost

The action-plans aimed at clarifying personal goals, and make them concrete, describe how to achieve the goals, identify barriers, and describe how to overcome barriers.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He takes all the research and ideas and makes them concrete, three-dimensional and real.

Cornell University

"Once the state adopted those ideals for foreign language and made them concrete in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the instruction changed," Mr. Carlino said.

The New York Times

While some say that Mr. Bloomberg latches on to the big ideas and she makes them concrete, others say their management styles are the same.

The New York Times

Codifying these principles made them concrete, and we apply them regularly even now.

Forbes

Quantify your experience or impact to make them more concrete.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He raised the possibility that science might make them "more concrete and verifiable".

The Guardian - Opinion

Schroeder had his national team players do the same workout, although he did not make them carry concrete blocks on their backs as he did his collegians.

The New York Times - Sports

Their strategies vary: Longino and Nelson de-emphasize the individual in favor of communities; Antony and Duran keep the focus on individuals, but make them more concrete; in addition, Antony tries to resolve the paradox of bias.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting abstract ideas, use examples, analogies, or visual aids to "make them concrete" for your audience. This will improve understanding and engagement.

Common error

Avoid using vague language when you need to "make them concrete". Use specific details and avoid broad statements that lack substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make them concrete" serves as a directive or suggestion to transform abstract ideas into more understandable and tangible forms. Ludwig examples show this phrase being used in various contexts to emphasize clarity and specificity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make them concrete" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to advocate for clarity and specificity in communication. As Ludwig AI suggests, it encourages transforming abstract concepts into tangible, understandable forms. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. To enhance understanding and engagement, it's crucial to use specific details and examples, while avoiding vague language. Alternative phrases include "make them tangible" and "make them explicit".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make them tangible

This alternative focuses on making something perceptible through the senses, implying a physical or experiential quality.

make them real

This focuses on bringing something into existence or making it feel authentic and genuine.

make them explicit

This emphasizes clarity and directness in communication, removing any ambiguity.

make them reality

This emphasizes transforming ideas into actual, existing things or states.

make them practical

This suggests adapting ideas to real-world applications and feasibility.

make them specific

This involves providing precise details and narrowing down broad concepts.

clarify them

Focuses on removing ambiguity, making them easier to understand.

flesh them out

This involves adding details and substance to make something more complete and developed.

solidify them

Implies strengthening or reinforcing the ideas, making them more stable and well-defined.

give them substance

This highlights the act of adding depth and meaningful content.

FAQs

How can I "make them concrete" in writing?

To "make" ideas or concepts "concrete" in your writing, provide specific examples, detailed explanations, and real-world applications. Using sensory language and vivid descriptions can also help readers grasp abstract concepts more easily. Consider using alternatives such as "make them tangible" or "make them explicit".

What does it mean to "make them concrete"?

To "make them concrete" means to clarify abstract or conceptual ideas by presenting them in a clear, specific, and understandable manner. This often involves providing examples, details, and real-world context to support the abstract concepts.

When is it important to "make them concrete"?

It's important to "make them concrete" when communicating complex or abstract information, particularly when the audience may not be familiar with the subject matter. In technical writing, presentations, and educational settings, clarifying concepts with concrete examples improves comprehension and retention. You might also "make them practical" or "make them real".

What are some alternatives to saying "make them concrete"?

Alternatives to "make them concrete" include phrases like "make them tangible", "make them explicit", "make them practical", or "clarify them". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.