tangible and intangible

USAGE SUMMARY

"tangible and intangible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two opposites, such as physical and abstract ideas. For example, "Education involves tangible resources, like books and classrooms, as well as intangible resources, like knowledge and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Preservation includes both tangible and intangible elements.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Analyse its outputs, both tangible and intangible.

Harvard Business Review

Strikes have both tangible and intangible outcomes.

Harvard University

Ethnic identity is formed by both tangible and intangible characteristics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Companies that become B Corps enjoy tangible and intangible benefits.

The Guardian

Involving employees in energy strategy has tangible and intangible benefits.

Harvard Business Review

Mary is mysterious, both tangible and intangible, crossing fluidly between dreams and reality.

The New York Times - Books

Tremendous tangible and intangible costs are borne by both victims and businesses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In my opinion, the benefits of collegiate athletics, both tangible and intangible, far outweigh the cost.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't want our tangible and intangible heritage to disappear," she says.

The Guardian

A tangible and intangible resource-oriented taxonomy in an integrated enterprise modelling environment is established.

Procedia CIRP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tangible and intangible", ensure the context clearly establishes the distinction between the two. Provide specific examples of each to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible and intangible" when the categories aren't truly distinct. Ensure the "tangible" aspects are genuinely physical and the "intangible" aspects are genuinely abstract, without significant overlap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible and intangible" functions as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to describe two contrasting categories of qualities or assets. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is commonly used to encompass both concrete and abstract elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible and intangible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for encompassing both concrete and abstract aspects across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the provided examples highlight its prevalence in science, news, and academia. To enhance clarity, provide specific examples for both categories when using this phrase. Related alternatives include "concrete and abstract" or "physical and non-physical", although the best choice depends on the specific context. Although the phrase is commonly correct, avoid using it when the distinction between tangible and intangible is not clear. Overall, the phrase is a versatile tool for comprehensive descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concrete and abstract

Focuses on the difference between what is definite and perceptible versus what is conceptual.

material and immaterial

Highlights the presence or absence of matter, providing a direct contrast.

physical and non-physical

Emphasizes the material versus immaterial aspects, focusing on physicality.

substantial and unsubstantial

Emphasizes the degree to which something has substance or reality.

palpable and impalpable

Stresses the ability (or inability) to be felt or perceived.

perceptible and imperceptible

Highlights what can be noticed versus what escapes observation.

visible and invisible

Focuses on what can be seen versus what cannot.

real and notional

Contrasts what exists in reality with what is merely an idea.

sensible and insensible

Highlights the ability to be perceived by the senses versus not.

objective and subjective

Contrasts external reality with personal perception.

FAQs

How can I use "tangible and intangible" in a sentence?

You can use "tangible and intangible" to describe the different aspects of something. For example, "A company's value consists of both "tangible and intangible" assets, such as equipment and brand reputation."

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

"Concrete and abstract" is very similar to "tangible and intangible". "Tangible and intangible" emphasizes the physical presence versus the lack thereof, while "concrete and abstract" emphasizes definiteness versus conceptual nature. Both phrases can often be used interchangeably, however it depends on the context.

What are some examples of tangible and intangible benefits?

Examples of tangible benefits include increased revenue, reduced costs, and improved efficiency. Intangible benefits might include improved employee morale, enhanced brand reputation, and stronger customer loyalty.

Is it redundant to say "tangible and intangible assets"?

No, it is not redundant. The phrase "tangible and intangible assets" is commonly used to ensure that all types of assets are considered, from physical items to intellectual property and goodwill. Omitting either word could lead to an incomplete assessment.