tangible matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"tangible matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to physical aspects or objects that can be touched, seen, or felt. For example: "The tangible matter of the experiment was a series of ground samples taken from the site."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The world, as perceived by those who inhabit it, consists of tangible matter, but this explanation cannot be complete.

The Economist

This is a phrase all good dogs understand -- it means drop that sock, drop that rotting carcass -- and humans would be well advised to apply it to the slightly less tangible matter of snobbery and breed bias.

The New York Times

During the shoot actors perform with digitally generated backdrops displayed on monitors; later those backdrops will be replaced with shots of the kind of miniatures Mr. Trumbull used on "2001," or of other tangible matter, the way some effects were achieved in "The Tree of Life" after the director Terrence Malick asked Mr. Trumbull to consult on the film.

The New York Times

In this zone, pneumatic matter mixes with tangible matter, thus producing 'attached spirits', which must be distinguished from 'free spirits' outside tangible bodies.

SEP

Whereas the interior and tangible matter of the earth is covered by a crust which separates it from the pneumatic heaven, the zone between earth and the "middle region of the air" allows a mixture of pneumatic and tangible matter, which is the origin of organic and non-organic phenomena.

SEP

Bacon's cosmological system a result of thought experiments and speculation, but not proven in accordance with the inductive method presupposes a finite universe, a geocentric plenum, which means that the earth is passive and consists of tangible matter.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Like all labor disputes, the one-day strike by taxi drivers yesterday turned on tangible matters, in this case credit card machines, global positioning systems and the like.

The New York Times

That is why, the Taiwanese argue, it is better to concentrate on tangible matters first, such as trade, investment and reliable channels of communication, and leave the theology until later.

The Economist

While other genres of music grappled with words like "feminism" while obsessing over body parts of individual stars in 2014, dance music seemed engaged in far more tangible matters of gender.

Vice

However, a large part of the appeal of the DA is that it classes intangible, mathematical structures — geometry — as mere representation, and tangible things — matter (including fields) and its properties — as real.

SEP

In the culture of scarcity the short-term tangible benefits matter much more, and too few success stories among their peers make them believe that having shares in a startup could not really bring any profit.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "tangible matter" to bring clarity and grounding to the discussion. For example, "While the theory is complex, its implications on tangible matter are quite straightforward."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "tangible matter" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler terms like "physical stuff" or "real things" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible matter" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to physical substances that possess a real, touchable, or perceivable existence. Ludwig shows it used in discussions of physics, philosophy, and material properties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible matter" is a noun phrase used to describe physical substances that can be touched or perceived. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and finds its usage primarily in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While not frequently used, its purpose is to distinguish between physical substances and abstract or intangible concepts. When writing, consider using it in formal contexts, and remember that alternatives like "physical substance" or "concrete reality" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical substance

Focuses more on the inherent physicality and composition of the matter.

palpable material

Emphasizes the ability to be touched or felt.

concrete reality

Shifts the focus from the matter itself to its real and observable existence.

corporeal form

Highlights the physical body or shape of something.

material existence

Underscores the state of being physical or material.

sensible object

Focuses on the ability to perceive the object through the senses.

perceptible entity

Highlights the characteristic of being noticeable and detectable.

touchable stuff

An informal way of saying that matter can be touched.

real thing

Emphasizes the genuineness and non-abstract nature of the matter.

solid material

Highlights the solid nature of the matter, as opposed to liquid or gas.

FAQs

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

"Tangible matter" is used to refer to physical substances that can be touched or perceived. For example, "The experiment focused on the effects of radiation on "tangible matter"".

What are some synonyms for "tangible matter"?

Alternatives include "physical substance", "palpable material", or "concrete reality", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "tangible matter" and "intangible assets"?

"Tangible matter" refers to physical substances, while "intangible assets" are non-physical items of value, such as patents, trademarks, or goodwill.

Is it correct to say "tangible matter" or should it be "tangible material"?

Both "tangible matter" and "tangible material" are grammatically correct, but "tangible matter" is often used in scientific or philosophical contexts when discussing the composition of the universe.