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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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tangible and intangible

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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.

Analyse its outputs, both tangible and intangible.

Strikes have both tangible and intangible outcomes.

Ethnic identity is formed by both tangible and intangible characteristics.

Companies that become B Corps enjoy tangible and intangible benefits.

News & Media

The Guardian

Involving employees in energy strategy has tangible and intangible benefits.

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

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

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

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

News & Media

The Guardian

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

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

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.

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.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: