tangible reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"tangible reference" is a correctly used phrase in English.
You can use it when you want to make a reference to something concrete or real that can be identified and felt. For example, "This statue is a tangible reference to the legacy of the city's founders."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The fascination in making Wikipedia into tangible reference guides is not new.

Vice

With only four years remaining until you're off to college, my intention is for this letter to serve as a tangible reference as you begin your journey into young adulthood.

Huffington Post

"It's one of the new sounds of a generation that has no tangible reference point pre-world wide web, utilising the virtual space and the infinite possibilities offered by endless terabytes of memory".

Vice

One respondent wrote, "Having a tangible reference as to what evidence-based public health strategies meant and how they could be used in our everyday work lives".

BMC Health Services Research

Participants appreciated the booklet as a practical tangible reference, that brings together important locally-relevant information (e.g. our hospital's services, contact information, locations/map, appointments booking section), which was preferred over the separate appointment sheets received previously.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

THAT the movies provide the most tangible point of reference in this book in part reflects the vanished New York settings in which its characters grew up, but it is also a measure of how thin the book is.

The New York Times - Books

It was really our first experience of doing something great and tangible with the human reference genome we had helped to sequence.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Ms. Fitzgerald's circular canvases are even more atmospheric, dispensing with all but the most minimal references to tangible reality.

The New York Times

Then, describe the security measures you would take to protect the reference unit (if it is tangible) or the recipe for the unit (if it is intangible).

The New York Times

Progress reports from the lifestyle counselor could provide the OP with tangible results, help to form a frame of reference for what can be achieved, and shape the perception that a referral is part of a concerted effort.

BMC Public Health

Continual references to "the unconscious" suggest a place as tangible as, say, The Hague.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tangible reference", ensure that the reference point is something easily understood and relatable to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible reference" when you simply mean a relevant or pertinent reference. "Tangible" implies something concrete and perceivable, not just conceptually related.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible reference" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'tangible' modifies 'reference'. It describes a reference point that is concrete, real, and easily understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correctly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangible reference" is a grammatically correct adjective-noun phrase used to describe a concrete and easily understood reference point. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable when you want to link an abstract idea to something observable or experienceable. While its frequency is relatively rare, it is found in diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal writing. To enhance clarity and avoid misuse, it's best to ensure the reference is genuinely concrete and not merely relevant. Alternatives like ""concrete example"" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concrete example

Focuses on the example being real and specific.

solid illustration

Stresses that the reference is reliable and well-founded.

real-world illustration

Emphasizes the practical application of the concept.

practical demonstration

Highlights the use of practical methods.

demonstrable case

Implies that the reference can be clearly proven or shown.

actual embodiment

Highlights that the reference represents the idea in a real and complete way.

physical manifestation

Highlights the physical or material form of something abstract.

palpable instance

Indicates the reference can be easily perceived or felt.

material instance

Underlines the occurrence of something in a physical form.

empirical evidence

Stresses the reliance on observable and measurable data.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangible reference" to describe something that provides a concrete example or point of comparison. For example, "This statue is a "tangible reference" to the legacy of the city's founders."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "concrete example" or "real-world illustration".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tangible reference"?

Use "tangible reference" when you want to emphasize that the reference point is something real and easily understood, not just an abstract idea.

Is "tangible reference" a formal or informal phrase?

"Tangible reference" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in professional or academic writing.