Meaning & use
tangible items
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Meaning
phraseplural
physical objects that can be touched or seen, as opposed to ideas or feelings
Grammar: Always plural in this phrase; the singular is 'a tangible item'.
Patterns
- tangible items such as
- a list of tangible items
- tangible items and intangible assets
The museum displays tangible items like ancient tools and pottery.
When moving, pack all tangible items in boxes and label them.
The insurance policy covers tangible items but not digital files.
Word forms
| singular | tangible item |
|---|
Common combinations
- tangible personal property
- The will lists tangible personal property such as furniture and jewelry.
- tangible asset
- Buildings and machinery are tangible assets on the balance sheet.
- tangible evidence
- The police found tangible evidence, including a weapon.
Synonyms and how they differ
- physical objects
- A more general term; 'tangible items' often contrasts with things you cannot touch.
- material things
- Similar, but 'material' can also mean important or relevant.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: tangible items or tactile?
tangible items vs tactile
'Tactile' means related to the sense of touch, while 'tangible' means able to be touched or clearly real.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'tangible items' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Tangible items' are physical objects you can touch, such as books and pens. The other options incorrectly describe abstract things like love, happiness, or ideas as tangible.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “tangible items”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.