As far as practicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As far as practicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something should be done to the extent that it is feasible or possible. Example: "We will implement the new policy as far as practicable, considering the available resources and time constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

In other words, Mr. Gonzalez is being kept, as far as practicable, in an official Cuban atmosphere.

The New York Times

That section says that such ballots "shall, as far as practicable, be in the order of arrangement provided for paper ballots".

The New York Times

The objectives, Edwards wrote later, were "to penetrate Missouri as far as practicable, inflict what damage he could upon the enemy, and gather unto his friends the greatest advantage possible".

The New York Times

Nevertheless, since independence India has aimed at abolishing the personal laws in favour of a civil code (constitution, article 44), which would unify, as far as practicable, the diverse Hindu schools and customs applicable to the various communities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 8th amendment "acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect and, as far as practicable by its laws, to defend and vindicate that right".

The Guardian

This clause states: "The state acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

There is no legal obligation at all for councils to provide their own holiday childcare and the duty placed on them to ensure there is sufficient childcare available states 'only as far as is practicable'".

The Guardian

While law enforcement agencies continue to develop our response to emerging threats, it falls upon individuals and organizations to be alert to this and and take steps to mitigate risk as far as is practicable".

The New York Times

The Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 stated that fuel poverty should be eradicated "as far as reasonably practicable" by 2016, but while fuel poverty in England fell by four-fifths between 1996 and 2004 (from 5.1 million households to 1.2 million households) it has more than trebled since.

The Guardian - Money

It is, thus, a dynamic tool which seeks to mimic the nature of organisational change, as far as is practicable.

International Journal of Information Management

Regulations required local authorities to allow a child to live near their home, as far as reasonably practicable, the report said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as far as practicable", ensure that you are prepared to explain or justify the limitations if the action isn't fully implemented. This demonstrates a commitment to the principle while acknowledging real-world constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "as far as practicable" as a vague promise without a genuine intention to act. If there are significant obstacles, be upfront about them rather than implying a greater degree of feasibility than exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as far as practicable" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent to which an action can or should be carried out. It specifies a condition or limitation on the action, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as far as practicable" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express that something should be done to the degree that is feasible and realistic. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it indicates a neutral register suitable for broad communication. When writing, use it to set reasonable expectations and be prepared to justify any limitations in implementation. Alternatives like "to the extent feasible" offer similar meanings. However, avoid overstating the practicality without a genuine commitment, and according to Ludwig, make sure to consider the available resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To the extent feasible

Emphasizes the feasibility aspect more directly.

As far as is realistically possible

More emphatic, adding realism as an additional constraint.

So far as is feasible

Similar in meaning but rephrased to stress feasibility.

As reasonably achievable

Similar meaning, highlighting the achievement aspect.

As much as possible

A more general alternative, lacking the nuanced implication of practicality.

To the degree possible

A more formal alternative emphasizing the limit of possibility.

Where possible

Shorter and more informal.

Within reasonable limits

Highlights the consideration of constraints.

To a reasonable extent

Focuses on being rational when performing an action.

To the best of one's ability

Focuses on the effort and capability involved.

FAQs

How can I use "as far as practicable" in a sentence?

Use "as far as practicable" to indicate that something should be done to the extent that it is feasible or possible. For example: "We will reduce emissions "as far as practicable", considering the available technology and economic factors."

What are some alternatives to "as far as practicable"?

You can use alternatives like "to the extent feasible", "as much as possible", or "where possible" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "as far as practicable" or "as far as possible"?

"As far as practicable" implies a consideration of practicality and feasibility, while "as far as possible" simply indicates the maximum extent. Use "as far as practicable" when you want to emphasize that real-world constraints are being taken into account.

What is the difference between "as far as practicable" and "as far as reasonably practicable"?

"As far as reasonably practicable" includes a consideration of the cost and effort involved in implementing a measure, balancing them against the potential benefits. "As far as practicable" focuses more on whether something is simply achievable.