tangible force

USAGE SUMMARY

'tangible force' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intangible, invisible power that can be sensed in a person or situation. For example: “The leader's words had a tangible force that commanded respect.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But a miraculous rejuvenation means that he remains a tangible force for the here and now, as well.

Independent

He added: "West Indies cricket is an almost tangible force which can unify an entire country, an entire group of people, no matter the differences that might exist off the field.

The Guardian - Sport

Millwall have been in : the area since 1901, first as a muster point for local dockers and their families, later as a binding strand in a rather overlooked part of London, and more recently as a tangible force for good.

The Guardian - Sport

Likewise, the energy of the body, whether it be called chi, prana, or vital force, is an invisible but tangible force.

Huffington Post

I kept running into people who used to show up at Occupy Wall Street rallies not anarchists, but left-leaning types who wanted to see all that populist anti-corporate anger gel into a tangible force that could engage with the political system.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

To D'Angelo, good and evil are not abstract concepts but tangible forces he reckons with every day.

The New Yorker

Instead they are often prompted by less tangible forces: the support of a parent, the insistence of a girlfriend, the encouragement of a priest or pastor, the mobilization of a community, the birth of a child.

The New York Times

Indeed, there is a tangible life force, or perhaps after-life force, to the works that make up the exhibition, from the pale, detached family unit represented in "Nuclear Family" to the mirror-like flesh of Dumas' daughter Helena in the portrait "Helena's Dream".

Huffington Post

Working with found photographs – often actors' portraits and film stills taken from the golden age of cinema – Stezaker manipulates them with cuts, rotations, removals and collaged elements, managing to invigorate images that were already compelling so that nearly every work in this exhibition has a tangible seductive force.

Independent

However, international codes and declarations gain tangible lawful force for individuals when they are adopted into domestic laws.

BMC Medical Ethics

It may be easier to admire than it is to love, but Dead Centre make the most of nothing, making absence painfully tangible and forcing us look hard into the glare before the lights fade to black.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangible force" to describe entities or phenomena that have a real, undeniable presence or effect, rather than abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible force" when describing purely abstract concepts or emotions that lack a clear, demonstrable effect. For instance, describing 'hope' as a tangible force might be metaphorical but less precise than describing the 'tangible force' of economic policy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible force" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tangible" modifies the noun "force". It describes a power or influence that is perceptible or evident. Ludwig AI provides examples where it denotes unifying factors or political movements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tangible force" describes a power or influence that is evident and perceptible due to its real effects. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and often used to describe unifying factors or political movements. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the context clarifies the source and nature of the 'tangibility' – is it the impact, the results, or the influence? While the phrase is suitable for various contexts, avoid using it to describe purely abstract concepts that lack demonstrable effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real effect

This alternative emphasizes the authenticity of influence.

palpable energy

This alternative focuses on the feeling or sensation of energy that can be readily perceived.

perceptible influence

This alternative highlights the noticeable impact or effect that something has.

substantive influence

This alternative describes the practical importance of the force.

detectable influence

This alternative stresses the ability to identify or discover the impact that something has.

visible impact

This alternative directly references the impact that can be easily noticed.

noticeable power

This alternative emphasizes the observed strength or authority of something.

evident strength

This alternative highlights how strength or power is clearly visible or obvious.

concrete power

This alternative underlines the power which is real and specific.

measurable impact

This alternative points out an effect or influence which is large enough to be measured.

FAQs

What does "tangible force" mean?

The phrase "tangible force" refers to a power or influence that is not abstract but can be clearly perceived or felt due to its visible or measurable effects. It signifies something real and evident in its impact.

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

You can use "tangible force" to describe something with a clear and undeniable impact. For example: "The new policy had a "real effect"", or "The community's support was a "detectable influence"."

Which words are similar to "tangible force"?

Similar phrases include "palpable energy", "evident strength", or "noticeable power". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "tangible force" to describe an emotion?

While you can use "tangible force" metaphorically to describe a powerful emotion, it is more precise to use it for something that has a demonstrable effect. Consider if a phrase like "overwhelming feeling" might be more appropriate.