the palpable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the palpable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is easily perceived or noticeable, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "The palpable tension in the room was evident as everyone awaited the announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Our obsession with the palpable, with remains".

The New York Times - Magazine

One example is humans' preference for the palpable.

The Economist

The palpable relish in that sentence is surely no accident.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the palpable fear, "it felt so good".

The New Yorker

The palpable desire of the fiend was nuanced, layered.

The New York Times

We are enchanted by the palpable, audible atmosphere of love.

The New Yorker

Visit Germany and be struck by the palpable energy and drive within the business community.

The New York Times

Today East Jerusalem exudes the palpable feel of a city occupied by a foreign power.

The New York Times

Half an hour later the truck finally appears, to the palpable relief of the crowd.

The Guardian

Preserving the palpable lie of unity is far more important than policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many pointed to the palpable silence of many of Nigeria's politicians.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the palpable" to describe atmospheres, feelings, or qualities that are strongly felt or easily perceived, creating a vivid and immediate impression on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the palpable" in highly technical or specialized fields where more precise terminology is available. Opt for terms specific to the field to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the palpable" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifying and emphasizing the quality of a noun. Ludwig shows how it is used to describe a feeling, atmosphere, or characteristic that is easily sensed or perceived.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Huffington Post

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the palpable" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe something that is easily perceived or strongly felt. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, media, and scientific writing. While interchangeable with alternatives like "the tangible" or "the evident", its specific nuance lies in emphasizing the readily perceptible nature of the described entity. As evidenced by Ludwig, "the palpable" effectively conveys a sense of immediacy and clarity, making it a valuable tool for descriptive writing. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly technical contexts where more precise terminology might be warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tangible

Replaces "palpable" with a synonym focusing on the sense of touch and physical reality.

the noticeable

Substitutes "palpable" with a word emphasizing ease of observation.

the evident

Replaces "palpable" highlighting the quality of being easily seen or understood.

the perceptible

Offers a more formal synonym for "palpable", indicating something detectable by the senses.

the discernible

Suggests something that can be recognized or distinguished, similar to being palpable.

the appreciable

Focuses on the quality of being significant or considerable, akin to being easily noticeable.

the conspicuous

Highlights the quality of standing out or being easily visible.

the detectable

Emphasizes the capability of being discovered or noticed, similar to being palpable.

the manifest

Replaces "palpable" with a term meaning obvious or clear to the senses.

the observable

Focuses on the ability to be seen or noticed, related to the concept of being palpable.

FAQs

How can I use "the palpable" in a sentence?

You can use "the palpable" to describe something easily perceived or felt. For example, "There was "the palpable sense" of relief when the announcement was made" or "The palpable tension in the room was almost unbearable".

What can I say instead of "the palpable"?

Alternatives include "the tangible", "the noticeable", or "the evident", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "palpable" to describe non-physical things?

Yes, "palpable" can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical things, such as emotions or atmospheres, that are strongly felt or easily perceived. For instance, "The palpable silence in the room was deafening".

What's the difference between "palpable" and "tangible"?

"Palpable" generally refers to something that is easily perceived or obvious, whether physical or not. "Tangible" specifically refers to something that can be touched or felt physically. While they can sometimes be interchangeable, "tangible" is more restricted to physical attributes, while "palpable" can extend to emotional or atmospheric qualities.