physical dimension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical dimension" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the tangible or concrete aspects or measurements of something, such as size, shape, weight, etc. Example: "In order to fully understand this object, we must consider both its physical dimensions and its symbolic meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Physical dimension, but also the technical dimension".

The New York Times - Arts

Ferrer presents more than just a physical dimension on court.

The Guardian - Sport

By learning about Baroque dance, I hoped to unlock the physical dimension encoded in the music.

The New York Times - Arts

As a substitute for painted strokes, Ms. Lomberg has used webs of colored plastic, which give her paintings a physical dimension.

The New York Times

In order "to truly learn from the Nazi holocaust," he asserts, "its physical dimension must be reduced and its moral dimension expanded".

The New York Times - Books

"He's an experienced veteran who adds to the physical dimension of our hockey team," said Lou Lamoriello, the chief executive officer of the Devils.

The New York Times - Sports

And they overstate interest income in another way, by claiming interest on unpaid loans.There is a physical dimension to the banks' woes.

The Economist

Still less do we know if the passionate friendship recorded so commonplace in Renaissance life and literature - had a physical dimension.

Independent

And in Europe, things will inevitably click enough that players can add that physical dimension of "going all out" to a greater degree.

The New York Times

In an age when all the information we could ever need has no physical dimension, the contacts book is the vinyl record of the data world.

Independent

"Atomic" types describe the physical dimension of a single value.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "physical dimension", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to size, shape, or a broader aspect of physical reality. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "physical dimension" when you actually mean abstract or non-tangible aspects. For instance, don't use it to describe emotional or mental states, as it primarily relates to measurable or observable characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical dimension" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It describes tangible and measurable aspects of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physical dimension" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the tangible, measurable attributes of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's used in a variety of contexts, most commonly in science and news & media. It's essential to use it precisely to avoid confusion with abstract concepts. When writing, make sure your sentence clearly indicates which aspect of physical reality is being described, as the term can refer to size, shape, or a broader physical characteristic. Numerous authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, employ this phrase, solidifying its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corporeal dimension

Replaces 'physical' with 'corporeal', emphasizing the body or tangible substance.

tangible aspect

Focuses on the touchable or perceivable nature of the dimension.

material extent

Highlights the measurable or spatial size of something.

spatial property

Emphasizes the spatial characteristics of the dimension.

geometric attribute

Specifically refers to measurable aspects like size and shape.

measurable characteristic

Emphasizes the capacity to be measured or quantified.

concrete feature

Highlights the solidity and reality of the dimension.

substantial element

Focuses on the importance and realness of the dimension.

dimensional property

A more technical phrase referring to the properties related to dimensions.

objective reality

Shifts focus to the real, measurable nature of the dimension, differing from abstract qualities.

FAQs

How is "physical dimension" used in a sentence?

You can use "physical dimension" to describe the tangible aspects of an object, such as "The "physical dimension" of the room was larger than expected" or "The architect considered the "physical dimension" of the sculpture in relation to its surroundings."

What are some alternatives to "physical dimension"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "spatial property", "material extent", or "tangible aspect". Each emphasizes a slightly different nuance of the concept.

Is it correct to use "physical dimension" to describe a person's character?

While "physical dimension" primarily refers to tangible attributes, you can metaphorically extend it to describe a person's character if you're emphasizing its concrete or observable aspects. However, using terms like "character trait" or "personality aspect" would be more precise.

What's the difference between "physical dimension" and "spatial dimension"?

"Physical dimension" encompasses all tangible aspects, while "spatial dimension" specifically refers to measurements of space. Thus, spatial dimension is a subset of physical dimension.