to be concrete

USAGE SUMMARY

'to be concrete' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb, meaning to be specific or exact. You can use it when you want to clarify or emphasize an example, point, or fact. For example: "We need to identify well-defined solutions to this problem. To be concrete, let's look at the two most promising options."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BURUMA: One way is to be concrete.

The New York Times

"We like things to be concrete.

The New York Times

I find it easier to be concrete.

The Guardian

"It's inherently unpredictable, but it also has to be concrete.

The New Yorker

As if in reaction, even at a young age Isabel prefers her art to be concrete.

The New York Times - Books

Rubinos's lyrics tend to be concrete, as if to push back against the elegantly uneven nature of the music.

The New Yorker

While human beings are capable of abstract thought, many of the classifications people make seem to be concrete discriminations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the UN stresses these are "voluntary commitments [which] seek to be concrete actions" – as yet, there are no guarantees.

The Guardian

And children, who tend to be concrete and literal, enjoy the set rules involved in dividing into teams.

The New York Times

In Mr. Mokgosi's work the political content appears to be concrete and specific, dealing with the tensions and inequities of life in post-apartheid South Africa.

The New York Times - Arts

In the confines of the narrow canal, he said, "everything that it was going to hit was going to be concrete, and it's not favorable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be concrete" to transition from abstract ideas to specific examples, helping your audience understand the practical implications of your points.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "to be concrete". Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases or integrating specific details directly into your explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be concrete" functions as a discourse marker or linking adverbial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to transition from abstract or general statements to specific, tangible examples or details. It enhances clarity and provides practical grounding, akin to saying "for example" or "specifically".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be concrete" is a versatile phrase used to transition from abstract ideas to specific examples, enhancing clarity and understanding. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it's grammatically sound and effective in various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While common, it's crucial to avoid overuse and incorporate alternative expressions for variety. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. Remember to use "to be concrete" when you want to provide a tangible or real-world example to support your argument, making your points more accessible and persuasive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be specific

Focuses more directly on providing particular details, without necessarily implying the provision of a concrete example.

to give an example

Emphasizes the act of providing an illustrative instance to clarify a point.

for instance

Introduces a specific case or example to support a broader statement.

as an illustration

Highlights the clarifying or explanatory nature of the example being provided.

to clarify

Focuses on making something easier to understand, often through the use of examples or details.

in detail

Implies a thorough and comprehensive explanation, potentially including specific examples.

to put it plainly

Simplifies complex ideas, making them easier to grasp concretely.

in practical terms

Emphasizes real-world application and tangible outcomes.

to break it down

Suggests simplifying a complex topic into smaller, more manageable components.

let's say

Introduces a hypothetical example or scenario to make a point more relatable.

FAQs

How can I use "to be concrete" in a sentence?

Use "to be concrete" to introduce a specific example or detail that makes a general statement more understandable. For instance, you might say, "We need to improve customer satisfaction. To be concrete, let's offer faster shipping options".

What's the difference between "to be concrete" and "to be specific"?

While both introduce clarifying details, "to be concrete" often implies providing a tangible or real-world example, whereas "to be specific" simply narrows down the focus to particular aspects.

What are some alternatives to using "to be concrete"?

You can use alternatives like "for example", "for instance", or "to illustrate" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "to be concrete" in formal writing?

Yes, "to be concrete" is suitable for formal writing, especially when explaining complex concepts or providing evidence to support an argument. It helps ensure clarity and understanding.