tangible matters

USAGE SUMMARY

'tangible matters' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to tangible things, or issues that can be seen and touched. For example, "The insurance company must consider tangible matters like property damage when assessing a claim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 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

You do no tangible thing.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "tangible matters" to bring the discussion back to concrete, real-world examples, grounding your argument in observable facts and evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible matters" in contexts that demand highly formal or technical language. Opt for more precise terms specific to the field or subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible matters" functions as a noun phrase, where 'tangible' modifies 'matters'. It serves to specify that the discussion or focus is on things that are concrete and real. Ludwig AI identifies its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible matters" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize real and concrete aspects. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. While less frequent, it effectively grounds discussions in observable reality. Alternative phrases such as ""substantive issues"" or ""practical concerns"" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. Its application spans across news media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantive issues

Replaces 'matters' with 'issues', emphasizing the importance and weight of the tangible aspects.

concrete realities

Shifts from 'matters' to 'realities', highlighting the factual and demonstrable nature of the tangible aspects.

practical concerns

Uses 'concerns' to indicate tangible matters that are of practical importance.

real-world problems

Focuses on tangible matters that manifest as actual problems encountered in real-life situations.

factual considerations

Emphasizes that tangible matters should be based on facts and evidence.

material considerations

Highlights the physical or financial aspects of tangible matters.

palpable concerns

Indicates concerns that can be easily perceived or felt.

observable facts

Shifts focus to the observable and verifiable nature of the tangible aspects.

demonstrable issues

Refers to issues that can be clearly shown or proven.

verifiable aspects

Focuses on aspects that can be checked or confirmed for accuracy.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangible matters" to emphasize real and concrete aspects. For instance, "The discussion focused on "tangible matters" like budget allocation and resource management".

What are some alternatives to "tangible matters"?

Alternatives include "substantive issues", "practical concerns", or "concrete realities", each adding a slightly different nuance to the meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "tangible matters" in formal writing?

Yes, but sparingly. While grammatically correct, "tangible matters" can sometimes sound less precise than specific technical terms depending on the context.

How does "tangible matters" differ from "intangible matters"?

"Tangible matters" refer to things that can be seen, touched, or directly observed, while "intangible matters" involve abstract or conceptual things, such as ideas, emotions, or goodwill.