tangible power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangible power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a form of power that is concrete, measurable, or easily perceived, often in contexts related to influence, authority, or physical strength. Example: "The company's tangible power in the market is evident through its substantial sales figures and strong brand recognition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

These seats bring tangible power.

The Economist

The Remonstrance still has tangible power in its hometown, according to Quaiser Malik, a 21-year-old student from Elmhurst.

The New York Times

Lynch talks of the smokestack industries: "There was a downside to it, but the smokestack industry had a real tangible power.

The Guardian - Music

But, to do so, citizens must be engaged in sustainable, meaningful processes that build stronger communities and give participants real, tangible power".

The Guardian

The symbolic axis of the Mall has always been a source of silent but tangible power, particularly with respect to the history of black Americans, beginning with the slave pens that once dotted the land and culminating, perhaps, in the subtle stage design of the March on Washington.

The New Yorker

There are not many countries whose stories are so intensely bound to the character of a single person, much less a person with no tangible power, not even the power to leave her house or receive a visitor or make a telephone call.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Grisha are an intriguing creation: a breed of magician-scientist-soldiers wielding tangible powers in the service of the realm.

The New York Times - Books

Turley said the MDC "needs to be backed up with real, tangible powers and funding and not simply be a back-patting exercise by ministers".

The Guardian - Business

However, our findings, drawing from both primary and secondary sources, also bring out the potential of the RFRA to hold the forest bureaucracy accountable to forest-dweller communities and its ability to shift tangible legal powers and authority to forest dwellers.

Forest Policy and Economics

We're now tantalisingly close to a real, tangible, functioning power-loaders from Aliens.

The Guardian - Film

Now, even the tangibles — his power to all fields, his unmatched infield arm — are in doubt.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangible power" to emphasize that the power being discussed is not merely theoretical or symbolic but has real, measurable effects or manifestations. This is especially effective in political, economic, or social analyses where concrete outcomes matter.

Common error

While "tangible power" works well for describing real-world influence, avoid using it to describe inherently abstract concepts like emotions or beliefs. These are better described with terms like "influence" or "impact."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tangible power" is to act as a noun phrase, where "tangible" modifies the noun "power". It describes a specific kind of power that is concrete and observable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible power" denotes a form of authority or influence that is real and observable, often contrasted with symbolic or abstract power. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts, especially in news, politics, and social analysis. While grammatically correct, it's most effective when describing concrete effects and less suitable for abstract concepts. Alternatives like "real authority" or "observable influence" may be used depending on the nuance required. The key is to ensure that the power being discussed has measurable outcomes or manifestations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real authority

Emphasizes the genuineness and legitimacy of the power.

observable influence

Highlights the visible effects of the power.

concrete control

Focuses on the solid and measurable aspects of control.

actual influence

Stresses that the influence is not just theoretical, but truly existing.

palpable authority

Indicates a sense of authority that is strongly felt or easily perceived.

demonstrable strength

Highlights the ability to show power through actions or results.

effective jurisdiction

Focuses on legally recognized and operational power.

substantial dominion

Suggests a significant amount of control or rule.

material impact

Highlights the noticeable effects of power in a specific context.

practical leverage

Underlines how power can be used effectively to achieve specific outcomes.

FAQs

How can "tangible power" be used in a sentence?

"Tangible power" describes authority or influence that is real and can be observed or measured. For instance, "The new policy gave citizens "tangible power" over local development decisions".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "real authority", "observable influence", or "concrete control" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "tangible power" the same as "intangible power"?

No, "tangible power" refers to authority that is concrete and observable, whereas intangible power relates to aspects of symbolic influence or the ability to control ideas and meaning. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum.

In what contexts is "tangible power" most appropriately used?

It is best used in contexts where you want to emphasize the real and measurable effects of power, such as in discussions about political control, economic influence, or the practical impact of policies. Using it when discussing abstract concepts could reduce clarity.