tangible damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangible damage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to physical harm or loss that can be clearly identified and measured, often in legal or insurance contexts. Example: "The storm caused tangible damage to the property, including broken windows and a collapsed roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

What tangible damage did the expulsion do?

The New York Times - Books

Trump's electoral victory has already caused some tangible damage to Mexico.

The Washington Post

Only eleven Israelis were killed in those incidents, a small number by today's standards, but, Segev writes, their "psychological effect, like that of the recession, was far more profound than the tangible damage".

The New Yorker

Rodrigo Janot, the prosecutor in charge of the petrolão, and Sérgio Moro, the judge who presides over the case at the federal court in Curitiba, belong to a cohort that sees corruption as not just a moral failing but a cause of tangible damage, says Luiz Felipe d'Avila of the Centre for Public Leadership, a think-tank.

The Economist

Information technology appears to be one of the first segments of the private sector to sustain tangible damage from federal budget cuts — because it's easier for the government to stop rewiring offices than it is to stop building a ship or a tank.

The Washington Post

But plainer still is the tangible damage to the constitutional separation of powers that Congress wrought when it voluntarily surrendered its lawmaking responsibility to the President, allowing him to alter a budget bill by canceling items in it within five days after signing it into law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Plus, he argued, people should only be convicted of fraud if they had effected tangible economic damage on their victims.

The Guardian - Business

Their stake increases in tandem with any tangible economic damage that would result from a potential government default or credit-rating downgrade.

The New York Times

His party has never been close to the Murdoch empire.Dread of paralysisBut for all the career carnage on show elsewhere, the tangible political damage wrought by the scandal has been slight so far.

The Economist

There isn't a great deal of room for a defense of ideology in the guilt or penalty phase; what tends to matter more is tangible acts taken, damage done.

The New Yorker

By assessing the impact it has on you, and the implication of whatever dishonest behavior you experience, you are able to evaluate the extent to which tangible and intangible damage has been done.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangible damage" when you want to emphasize that the damage is not just theoretical or emotional, but has real, measurable consequences. For instance, in a legal context, demonstrating "tangible damage" is crucial for a successful claim.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible damage" when describing emotional distress or reputational harm. These are considered intangible losses, and using "tangible" in this context would be inaccurate. Instead, use "reputational damage" or "emotional distress" to describe psychological or less concrete harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible damage" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tangible" modifies the noun "damage". This construction describes harm or loss that is concrete and measurable. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tangible damage" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to describe harm or loss that is concrete and measurable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It commonly appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this term, ensure that you are referring to damage that is real and observable, not abstract or emotional. Alternatives include "physical harm" or "concrete loss". Understanding the nuances and proper application of "tangible damage" ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical harm

Focuses specifically on bodily or material damage.

concrete loss

Emphasizes the measurable aspect of the loss.

material damage

Highlights damage to physical property or assets.

real detriment

Implies a clear and significant negative impact.

actual impairment

Stresses the reduction in value or function.

economic loss

Specifically refers to financial or economic harm.

demonstrable harm

Highlights that the harm can be clearly shown or proven.

quantifiable damage

Emphasizes the ability to measure the damage numerically.

identifiable loss

Focuses on the ease with which the loss can be recognized.

measurable impact

Emphasizes the ability to assess the scope and scale of the damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangible damage" to describe physical harm or loss that can be clearly identified and measured. For example, "The hurricane caused "tangible damage" to the coastal communities, including destroyed homes and businesses."

What are some alternatives to "tangible damage"?

Alternatives include "physical harm", "concrete loss", or "material damage", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "intangible damage"?

Yes, "intangible damage" is a correct phrase used to describe harm that is not physical or easily measured, such as reputational harm or emotional distress.

What's the difference between "tangible damage" and "economic loss"?

"Tangible damage" refers to physical or material harm, while "economic loss" specifically refers to financial harm or losses in revenue or assets. "Tangible damage" can contribute to "economic loss", but they are not interchangeable terms.