palpable material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "palpable material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is tangible or easily perceived, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The tension in the room was so thick it felt like palpable material, pressing down on everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Over the next 44 years he approached it as an almost tactile, palpable material, one with visual, physical, emotional and social meanings.

Los Angeles Times

Treatment is with small doses of triamcinolone at the infraorbital foramen, and disruption of palpable material with lidocaine or saline.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Those looking to cash in are played by Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Brad Pitt – all no doubt enlisted to make the complex material palpable to a mainstream audience.

The Guardian - Film

Palpable and irritating material was considered the main indication for metal removal (mean rating 8.9, 95% CI 8.8 – 9.1), whereas the patient's demand ranked lowest on the list of potential indications (mean rating 6.8, 95% CI 6.6 – 7.0).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

But this scholarly magnum opus is an absolute page turner, thanks not only to Toker's diligence, but also to his palpable excitement about his material.

The New York Times - Books

From the opening moments of the score, as the strings played subdued, luminous, tenderly tonal sustained chords, like some angelic, bittersweet chorale, Mr. Maw's reverence for this material was palpable.

The New York Times - Arts

This striation suggests two quite different things: the "dream" of life that like a river passes through names and forms (namarupa), but also its very opposite: the reinforcement of material reality, palpable, perceivable and bounded by time and space.

Independent

But no matter how frenzied and elaborate and sometimes distracting his technique may be, Luhrmann's personal connection and commitment to the material remains palpable, which makes for a film that, most of the time, feels vibrantly alive while remaining quite faithful to the spirit, if not the letter or the tone, of its source.

BBC

This was clear from fairgoers' palpable absorption in the material.

Vice

Though there was an overarching concept behind the project, it didn't muddle things because Gambino's commitment to the musical material was palpable and placed more to the forefront than the story was.

Vice

Everything here is carefully realized, made with a palpable deliberation that balances craft, material and, usually, creativity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "palpable material" when you want to emphasize that something is not just present but also readily perceived or felt, whether physically or metaphorically.

Common error

Avoid using "palpable material" when a simpler term like "obvious fact" or "clear evidence" would be more direct and appropriate. Overusing the phrase in purely abstract contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "palpable material" functions as an adjective-noun combination. "Palpable" modifies "material", indicating that the material is easily perceived or tangible. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through real-world examples, showing its application in both physical and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "palpable material" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something easily perceived or tangible. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase finds its applications in both news/media and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, it is relatively rare in usage. It's advisable to use it when you want to emphasize the readily noticeable nature of a material, but avoid overuse in purely abstract contexts where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles, from news reports to scientific papers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangible substance

Focuses on the physical touch and feel of the material, emphasizing its concrete nature.

perceptible matter

Highlights the ability to perceive the material through the senses.

discernible element

Emphasizes the clarity and ease with which the material can be identified.

noticeable component

Stresses that the material is easily observed or detected within a larger context.

detectable object

Indicates that the material can be found or identified through specific methods.

concrete reality

Underscores the real and solid nature of the material, often contrasting it with abstract concepts.

evident form

Focuses on the visible shape or structure of the material, emphasizing its clear presentation.

observable entity

Highlights the material's existence as something that can be watched or studied.

touchable medium

Specifically refers to materials that can be physically touched, emphasizing their tactile quality.

sensible stuff

Implies that the material can be understood or appreciated through the senses.

FAQs

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

You can use "palpable material" to describe something easily perceived or tangible. For example, "The tension in the room was a "palpable material"." or "The "palpable material" was irritating the patient's skin".

What are some alternatives to "palpable material"?

Alternatives include "tangible substance", "perceptible matter", or "concrete reality", depending on the specific context.

Is "palpable material" a formal or informal phrase?

"Palpable material" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more common in formal or technical writing. The best choice depends on the specific audience and purpose.

What does "palpable material" mean?

"Palpable material" refers to something that is easily perceived or felt, whether physically or metaphorically. It implies that the material is not just present, but also readily noticeable.