tangible entity

USAGE SUMMARY

"tangible entity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical object, such as a person, thing, or idea that can be perceived with one or more of the five senses. For example, "This tangible entity gives people a sense of comfort and security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Truth is a tangible entity.

The New York Times - Books

Time is an active presence, a nearly tangible entity.

The New York Times - Books

In the process they pick up bits of the nations' different languages and cultures, making North America a tangible entity.

The Economist

We need to think of the device as being the physical entry token to a sort-of club membership, of ownership as access rather than as a singular tangible entity.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They exist as concepts but not as tangible entities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And to satisfy his creative itch, the artist has been releasing a slew of digital projects on his Behance page this summer that look so crisply designed, it's hard to believe his computer-generated characters aren't actually tangible entities.

Vice

For him, this signified that the divine archetypes were literally made visible as geometric forms (straight and curved) that configured the spatial arrangement of tangible, corporeal entities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanings refer to symbolic meanings, ideas and aspirations, such as the value of focal points of heat; competence to skill, know-how and technique, such as the ability to manage radiators and other technologies for heat provision; and things refer to objects, technologies, tangible physical entities, and the stuff of which objects are made.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

These are stored in the database as instances of classes corresponding to their tangible biological entities.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

The other key tangible interaction technique applied is a tracker cube used for interpreting the spatial relationship of virtual and real entities.

Visualization in Engineering

Unfortunately, such knowledge is not a tangible and measurable entity, and thus until there is another shift in the vagaries of the job market, I fear that the trend will continue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "tangible entity" to emphasize a concrete or measurable aspect, providing clarity and grounding the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible entity" when referring to purely abstract ideas or emotions that lack any physical or measurable component. Ensure there's a genuine connection to something perceivable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible entity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tangible" modifies "entity". Ludwig examples show it used to describe things that are real and perceptible, in contrast to abstract concepts. It is often used to emphasize the concrete nature of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible entity" is a phrase used to describe something real and perceptible, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase emphasizing the concrete nature of a subject, differentiating it from abstract concepts. While grammatically correct, it's relatively rare, often appearing in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When writing, use it to ground discussions and highlight measurable aspects, but avoid overuse in purely abstract contexts. Remember, it's generally considered neutral to formal, best suited for professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concrete object

Focuses on the physical and material nature of the entity.

physical form

Highlights the shape and structure of something real.

real presence

Emphasizes the actual existence and impact of something.

material existence

Underscores that the entity is made of matter and exists in reality.

palpable thing

Stresses the ability to be touched or felt.

visible reality

Highlights that the entity can be seen and is not an illusion.

detectable item

Emphasizes that the entity can be found or identified.

perceptible object

Focuses on the ability to be perceived through the senses.

corporeal being

Highlights the physical body or substance of the entity.

substantive element

Indicates a key component that has real and measurable value.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangible entity" to refer to something that is real and can be perceived by the senses. For example, "The contract represented a "concrete agreement", a tangible entity that both parties could rely on."

What's a good alternative to "tangible entity"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "concrete object", "physical form", or "real presence".

Is "tangible entity" formal or informal?

"Tangible entity" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. Using it in informal settings might sound overly technical.

What is the difference between "tangible entity" and "intangible entity"?

"Tangible entity" refers to something that can be touched or perceived, while "intangible entity" refers to something that cannot be physically touched or perceived, such as a concept or idea. For example, a product is a "tangible item", whereas brand reputation is an "intangible asset".