tangible subjects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangible subjects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to topics or themes that are concrete, physical, or easily understood, as opposed to abstract concepts. Example: "In our discussion, we will focus on tangible subjects such as environmental issues and economic policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Most of the students in my tour group were pursuing political science, biology, art — tangible goals, if not tangible subjects in and of themselves.

The New York Times

Experts perceived that systematic methods and tangible subjects were the most necessary to motivate research in the social sciences sector.

Telecommunications Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet the nearly explicit presence of land, trees, bodies of water, people brings a more tangible subject to the abstract landscapes projected by Pollock, Kline, and Hofmann and the cosmic topographies of Gottlieb, Rothko, Newman, and Still.

The New Yorker

It's all "digital impressionism" in style, with each video bridging the classic landscape portrait with its tangible landscape subject.

Vice

We acknowledge that the degree to which the research uses described in Table 2 represent a tangible harm to individual research subjects and/or communities is subject to interpretation and disagreement.

BMC Medical Ethics

Language is directly experienced only through its instantiations in texts; similarly, the working of culture becomes tangible to the social subject through involvement with the features of the social practices.

Functional Linguistics

Both actors had been using a baseball announcer voice before and since meeting at a party in 1990, but US district judge Gary Allen Feess ruled that only Azaria's voice was, as Brockmire, a defined, "tangible" character and thus subject to copyright.

Wikipedia

But there is reciprocity... and in this case, each subject received something tangible – a print that bore testament to a life".

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps we're a bit dazzled and bewildered by the science, or perhaps these Stem subjects seem more tangible, immediate and impressive.

The Guardian

So find a way to "promote" maths to YOU: have a listen and a dance to Kate Bush's song "Pi" which will reveal to you the sensuality of mathematics, and discuss maths with a more advanced teacher who can explain to you how mathematics and numbers relate to the physical world, how equations represent specific curves and shapes in the tangible world.This applies to other subjects.

WikiHow

A resurgence of the representational in the visual arts indicates that the tangible is suddenly interesting again as subject matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "tangible subjects", ensure that the context clearly indicates the contrast with more abstract or theoretical concepts. For instance, use it when distinguishing between practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible subjects" when you actually mean "important topics". "Tangible" specifically refers to the concreteness or understandability of the subject, not its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible subjects" functions as a noun phrase, where "tangible" modifies the noun "subjects". Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to describe specific topics or areas of study.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tangible subjects" refers to topics that are concrete and easily understood, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and found in sources like The New York Times and scientific publications, its frequency is rare. This phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, clearly delineating topics from abstract or theoretical concepts. When writing, ensure the context emphasizes concreteness rather than importance, and consider alternatives like "concrete topics" for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concrete topics

Emphasizes the solid, real nature of the topics.

practical subjects

Focuses on the usefulness and applicability of the subjects.

definite subjects

Highlights the clear and well-defined nature of the subjects.

identifiable subjects

Stresses the ease with which the subjects can be recognized and distinguished.

physical subjects

Emphasizes the material or corporeal aspect of the subjects.

real subjects

Highlights that subjects are not theoretical or imaginary.

substantial subjects

Highlights subjects that have importance, value or meaning.

tangible items

Shift from abstract subjects to physical objects which could be studies.

tangible concerns

Highlights the subjects from point of view of worries.

tangible themes

Focuses on the key topics or ideas within a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangible subjects" to describe topics that are concrete and easily understood. For example: "The curriculum focuses on "tangible subjects" such as mathematics and science."

What are some alternatives to "tangible subjects"?

Some alternatives include "concrete topics", "practical subjects", or "identifiable subjects".

When is it appropriate to use "tangible subjects"?

It's appropriate to use "tangible subjects" when you want to emphasize that the topics being discussed are not abstract or theoretical but rather something that can be easily grasped and understood.

What is the difference between "tangible subjects" and "important subjects"?

"Tangible subjects" refers to topics that are concrete and easily understood, while "important subjects" refers to topics that are significant or of great value. The two phrases are not interchangeable.