tangible affairs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangible affairs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to concrete or physical matters, often in a context where distinctions are made between abstract and concrete issues. Example: "In the meeting, we focused on tangible affairs such as budget allocations and project timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And yet here we are, just past Labor Day, when presidential campaigns become tangible affairs, and Rudy Giuliani isn't showing any signs of fading.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is not that Marx left ideas of religion behind after these early years, but he felt he had dealt with them properly and could move on to more tangible affairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You do no tangible thing.

The New York Times

To become a tangible thing?

The Guardian - Books

It may all sound deeply superstitious and chimeric to outsiders, but the implications of the Shugden affair are eminently tangible in a society where light struggles to shine between politics and religion.

Huffington Post

"Giving is more direct, more tangible," Patrick M. Rooney, associate dean for academic affairs and research at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, told The Huffington Post via email.

Huffington Post

And psychologists are divided over the value of expunging records of a failed affair, whether digital or tangible.

The New York Times - Style

But this policy resulted in no tangible improvement in the administration of Egyptian affairs until 868, when Egypt was granted as a fief to the Turkish general Babak, who chose to remain in Iraq but appointed his stepson, a young mamlūk named Aḥmad ibn Ṭūlūn, as his agent in Egypt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The acid test of international affairs, perhaps especially in the Middle East, is in the tangible outcomes of policy, and so far - surge or no surge - the evidence is not promising.

The Guardian - Opinion

His emphasis on restitution is interesting because restitution is backward looking in a sense (it seeks to restore an earlier state of affairs) but also forward looking in that it provides tangible benefits to those who receive the restitution (Tuckness 2010).

SEP

The dumplings bear that immediately tangible if not always quantifiable stamp of a conscientious team of cooks tending to the affairs of the kitchen.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangible affairs" when you want to emphasize the concrete and measurable aspects of a situation, especially in contrast to abstract ideas or theories.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible affairs" in casual conversation; it sounds overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "real issues" or "practical matters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible affairs" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "tangible" modifies the noun "affairs". As Ludwig AI highlights, it refers to matters that are concrete and can be readily perceived or dealt with, often contrasting with abstract or theoretical concepts. The phrase serves to specify the kind of affairs being discussed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible affairs" is a phrase used to denote concrete, real-world matters, often in contrast to abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears primarily in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts and is considered relatively rare. While grammatically sound, it is more suited for formal or professional writing than casual conversation. Related phrases include "concrete matters" and "real-world issues". When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its level of formality and that you wish to emphasize the practical nature of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concrete matters

Focuses on the solid, real nature of the issues, emphasizing their practicality.

real-world issues

Highlights the practical and immediate relevance of the concerns.

practical concerns

Emphasizes the workability and feasibility aspects of the issues.

material considerations

Directs attention to the physical or financial aspects of the topics.

substantive issues

Highlights the significance and factual nature of the matters.

factual events

Focuses specifically on events that have occurred and are verifiable.

empirical realities

Emphasizes the observable and measurable aspects of the situations.

palpable events

Refers to easily perceptible or noticeable happenings.

physical realities

Directs attention to the physical and material dimensions of the situations.

verifiable facts

Highlights that the affairs are confirmable and factual.

FAQs

How can I use "tangible affairs" in a sentence?

You can use "tangible affairs" to refer to real, concrete matters, often in contrast to abstract or theoretical concerns. For example: "The discussion focused on "tangible affairs" such as budget allocation and project timelines."

What are some alternatives to "tangible affairs"?

Some alternatives to "tangible affairs" include "concrete matters", "real-world issues", or "practical concerns". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "tangible affairs" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

No, "tangible affairs" is not a common phrase in everyday conversation. It's more suited to formal or professional settings where precise language is valued.

What is the difference between "tangible affairs" and "intangible assets"?

"Tangible affairs" refers to concrete, real-world matters or events. In contrast, "intangible assets" refers to non-physical assets such as intellectual property or brand reputation. They are almost opposites.