nearly palpable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly palpable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost tangible or can be felt, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions or atmospheres. Example: "The tension in the room was nearly palpable as everyone awaited the announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The silence was nearly palpable.

The New York Times - Sports

Down at the river, the remoteness was nearly palpable.

The New York Times - Travel

Their connection was nearly palpable, their physical abilities shocking, their effect on me seismic.

The New York Times - Arts

"His test scores are just O.K.," my friend said, the despair in her voice nearly palpable.

The New York Times - Health

"But look at me," she said, the anger in her voice nearly palpable over the phone.

The New York Times - Health

The will and enthusiasm of governments in Asia to fill their energy needs with fusion, as soon as possible, is nearly palpable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's almost palpable".

The Guardian

But Sharapova's sense of entitlement is not nearly as palpable as Kournikova's was at the same age.

The New York Times - Sports

The sharp turns of phrase, as well as of speeding cars, are vintage Grisham, but the texture of the characters, especially the politicians, is not nearly as palpable.

The New York Times

But the real mysteries remain the cascading motions of Leonardo's hand, in the "nearly cinematic sequence" palpable in his rearing horses, screaming soldiers and studies of birds in flight.

The New York Times - Books

Such anti-American feeling remains palpable here, nearly 30 years after the demise of an American-supported military dictatorship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. "Nearly palpable" is most effective when used to describe something that is, in reality, intangible, creating a powerful contrast for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "nearly palpable" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can lose its impact and make your prose sound repetitive. Opt for more varied descriptions of intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly palpable" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It suggests that a quality or feeling is so strong that it is almost tangible or can be sensed physically. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearly palpable" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for describing something intangible that feels almost tangible. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is appropriate for emphasizing intensity, writers should avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "almost tangible" or "intensely felt" can be used to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost palpable

Alternative with the same meaning and structure, focusing on the intensity of feeling.

all but tangible

Indicates that something is so close to being tangible that it's practically the same.

almost tangible

Emphasizes the physical sensation of being able to touch or feel something, even if it's not actually physical.

practically tangible

Focuses on the practical aspect of something being almost able to be touched.

virtually perceptible

Highlights the ability to perceive something, even if it's faint or subtle.

extremely perceptible

Highlights the high degree to which something can be perceived or sensed.

barely discernible

Indicates that something can be detected, but only with effort.

intensely felt

Emphasizes the strength and depth of a feeling or emotion.

strongly sensed

Focuses on the sensation or feeling of something with considerable force.

scarcely noticeable

Suggests that something is difficult to notice or may go unnoticed altogether.

FAQs

How can I use "nearly palpable" in a sentence?

The phrase "nearly palpable" is used to describe something intangible that feels almost tangible. For example, "The tension in the room was "nearly palpable"" or "Her disappointment was "nearly palpable"".

What are some alternatives to "nearly palpable"?

Some alternatives to "nearly palpable" include "almost tangible", "intensely felt", or "strongly sensed". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "almost palpable" instead of "nearly palpable"?

Yes, "almost palpable" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "nearly palpable". Both phrases convey the same meaning of something being close to tangible or strongly felt.

What's the difference between "palpable" and "nearly palpable"?

"Palpable" means something is easily perceptible or tangible. "Nearly palpable" suggests it's not quite tangible but very close, implying a strong presence or feeling that is almost physical.