What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
physical
Example
The physical therapist helped the patient regain strength in their injured leg. [physical: adjective]
Example
I prefer physical books over e-books because I like the feel of turning pages. [physical: adjective]
Example
I enjoy playing basketball because it's a physical activity that keeps me active. [physical: noun]
tangible
Example
The company's profits are a tangible result of their hard work. [tangible: adjective]
Example
The artist created a tangible sculpture that people could touch and interact with. [tangible: adjective]
Example
The tangible benefits of exercise include improved health and increased energy. [tangible: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Physical is more commonly used in everyday language, while tangible is more often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between physical and tangible?
Tangible is generally considered more formal than physical, and is often used in academic or professional settings to describe concrete and measurable things.
