of tangible materials

USAGE SUMMARY

'of tangible materials' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to physical objects that can be seen and touched, as opposed to intangible items such as ideas or concepts. For example, "The library is filled with an abundance of tangible materials, from books to magazines to DVDs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Whereas financial and instrumental support involve exchange of tangible materials, receiving emotional support means older parents spend time with children, opening up and talking about worries, asking for advice and seeking comfort.

Ageing and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Wal-Mart shoppers wear outfits that range from appropriate to bizarre to some sort of tangible material that more-or-less covers their body parts.

Huffington Post

Our measure was heavily focused on the provision of tangible material support such as help with obtaining medicines, performing chores, or going to the doctor.

BMC Public Health

The territory inside is the most potent and astounding human territory of all, and is accessible by anyone, regardless of their tangible, material circumstances.

The Guardian

In order to ensure this exchange of knowledge occurs more systematically, industry works with researchers to develop mechanisms such as Material Transfer Agreements which govern the transfer of tangible research materials between two organisations, such as industry and a part of the health research system, when the recipient intends to use it for his or her own research purposes.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Besides, the team designed and implemented a set of learning experiences - multimedia and tangible materials to achieve the established learning goals.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

These tangible materials root the music in the context of their history, but also in the physical world, allowing people to look, listen, feel, and even smell or taste the songs if they want to.

Vice

A large proportion of work in an information society involves manipulating abstract information and knowledge (understood in this context as an organized and comprehensive structure of facts, relationships, theories, and insights) rather than directly processing, manufacturing, or delivering tangible materials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

True -- but the opposite of a profound truth is also true, and I think there's a mirror pleasure to be gained from dealing with actual, physical, tangible materials.

Huffington Post

"Well, the sound and the space the sound occupies are tangible material," Nauman explains.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are also tangible: material objects that can be grasped, pasted, or leaned against a dresser mirror.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. In formal writing, it adds precision. In informal contexts, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "of tangible materials" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "physical items" or "real things" would be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of tangible materials" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something as being composed of physical, touchable matter, as indicated by the example from Ludwig which mentions that financial and instrumental support involves exchange "of tangible materials".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In essence, "of tangible materials" serves to specify the physical composition of something, differentiating it from abstract or intangible elements. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in a neutral register, particularly within scientific, news and media, and encyclopedic contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase when precision is needed, emphasizing the physical nature of a subject, but being mindful not to overuse it in more casual settings where simpler alternatives suffice. With usage patterns leaning heavily towards scientific and news sources, using "of tangible materials" adds a layer of specificity that is appropriate in a descriptive context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

involving physical substances

Emphasizes the involvement of physical, touchable substances.

related to concrete objects

Focuses on objects that are solid and real, rather than abstract.

pertaining to real-world items

Highlights the connection to items existing in the real world.

concerning touchable elements

Directly refers to elements that can be touched and felt.

regarding material things

A simpler way of referring to physical items or possessions.

about physical goods

Focuses on items that are manufactured or produced.

linked to solid matter

Implies a connection to matter that is firm and not liquid or gaseous.

involving corporeal items

Uses a more formal term to denote physical or bodily items.

associated with palpable objects

Stresses objects that are easily perceived or noticed.

relative to substantial entities

Highlights the significant or considerable nature of the entities.

FAQs

How can I use "of tangible materials" in a sentence?

You can use "of tangible materials" to describe something that is made of physical matter. For example, "The exhibit featured a variety of sculptures made "of tangible materials", including wood, metal, and stone."

What are some alternatives to saying "of tangible materials"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "involving physical substances", "related to concrete objects", or "pertaining to real-world items".

Is "of tangible materials" formal or informal?

"Of tangible materials" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "physical things" or "real stuff" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "of tangible materials" and "of material things"?

While similar, "of tangible materials" emphasizes the physical and touchable aspects, whereas "of material things" often refers more broadly to possessions or physical items that have value or significance.