tangible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangible" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that can be perceived by touch or is concrete and real, often in contrast to abstract concepts. Example: "The benefits of the new policy are tangible, as employees have reported increased job satisfaction and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've now got tangible figures of the quantities and locations of fossil fuels that should remain unused in trying to keep within the 2C temperature limit," said Christophe McGlade, at University College London (UCL), and who led the new research published in the journal Nature.

The Guardian

A difference of a handful of points could make no tangible difference to the outcome of the in/out vote in the UK if one of the two sides has a clear lead (as most polls currently suggest).

The Guardian

This phenomenal success was down to giving supporters something tangible and useful to do.

The Guardian

Those who lost family members were not focused on the recovery of tangible property.

The Guardian - Arts

Never was there more tangible proof of the sad lack of a credible political satirist of Jon Stewart's ilk on UK TV than the desperate elevation of Brand to the position of social sage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No change in policy, no change in tone; no tangible recognition of her position.

The Guardian

According to Matthew Dennison in the Times: "What exonerates this structurally imperfect book is its tangible emotion: John's grief as he witnesses Mary's 'disappearance' and the author's intense love for the county of his birth".

The Guardian - Books

Unfortunately, this is often the exception rather than the rule in a system where chief executives and other senior managers turn over much too rapidly to have any chance of making a tangible difference.

The Guardian

They provide a tangible link between the activity of a single cell and complex "higher-level" behaviour.

The Guardian

"How many CoPs will it take for us to really see any tangible results?

The Guardian

Other jobs involve less tangible achievements - but you can still focus on how you have improved your company's revenue.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tangible", ensure you are contrasting it with something intangible or abstract to highlight its concrete nature. This emphasizes the measurable or observable aspect you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible" when you mean "tangential". "Tangible" refers to something real or touchable, while "tangential" means indirectly related or diverging from a main point.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tangible" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is perceptible, especially by touch, or something that is definite and real. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of this usage, reinforcing its role as a descriptive term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible" functions as an adjective used to describe something real, concrete, or perceptible through touch. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is typically employed to emphasize the concrete nature of something, contrasting it with abstract concepts. Be careful not to confuse it with "tangential". Consider using synonyms like "concrete" or "palpable" for variety. With a high source quality score and a very common usage frequency, "tangible" is a valuable word to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concrete

Emphasizes the physical and definite nature of something, similar to tangible but perhaps less about being touchable.

palpable

Highlights the quality of being easily perceived, either physically or emotionally, akin to tangible in its perceptible nature.

perceptible

Focuses on the ability to be noticed or felt, like tangible stresses the capability of being understood or sensed.

real

Underscores the authenticity and genuineness of something, mirroring tangible's focus on concrete existence.

material

Highlights the physical substance or component, resembling tangible in its emphasis on the physical world.

physical

Relates directly to the body and the senses, like tangible, it points to what can be experienced directly.

detectable

Highlights the capability of being discovered or noticed, similar to tangible in its focus on something that can be perceived.

actual

Stresses the existence in reality as opposed to being theoretical or hypothetical, like tangible it speaks to what is real.

substantial

Indicates a significant amount or degree, sharing tangible's sense of being real and having weight.

evident

Focuses on being easily seen or understood, similar to tangible’s emphasis on clarity and perceptibility.

FAQs

How can I use "tangible" in a sentence?

You can use "tangible" to describe something that can be touched or felt, like "The new policy resulted in "tangible benefits" for employees." It can also describe something real or concrete, as opposed to abstract.

What are some alternatives to the word "tangible"?

Alternatives include "concrete", "palpable", or "real". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "tangible" or "tangental"?

"Tangible" and "tangental" are distinct words with different meanings. "Tangible" describes something real or touchable, while "tangental" means something only slightly related. For example, a "tangential argument" is not relevant.

What's the difference between "tangible" and "intangible"?

"Tangible" refers to something that can be perceived by the senses, especially touch. "Intangible" refers to something that cannot be physically touched and is often abstract, like "intangible assets" or emotions.