a practical detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a practical detail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific piece of information that is useful or applicable in a practical context. Example: "When planning the event, don't forget to consider a practical detail like the seating arrangement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A practical detail: the kidnapper's boss has strange, round bald patches all over his head; can anyone enlighten me as to what they would have signified to a Japanese audience in 1929?

The New Yorker

In this collection, which drops on 1 November, a pale-blue style fastens down the front and an elasticated button loops at the cuff, a practical detail borrowed from the M&S school-uniform department.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The presentation so far has ignored a practical detail of guard bands which are inserted to reduce spectral leakage.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Persevere, for there is a wealth of hard-headed practical detail to come that calmly defies Rothman's early self-enchantment that "no one thinks Las Vegas is real; it is illusion, but visitors willingly suspend disbelief and pretend".

The New York Times - Books

Inside are drafts of poems, photographs, and the odd bit of practical detail on the film - a list of possible locations for the first couple of days' shooting.

The Guardian

His background as a performer was evident in his attention to practical detail from the moment of their arrival at the airport.

The Guardian

The FOTIP is depicted in the vertical bar: this is the FOT Implementation Plan, the FESTA handbook provides a wealth of practical details and a checklist to ensure that all necessary steps and actions are taken care of.

European Transport Research Review

When he picked it up, he was greatly impressed by the economic insights and practical detail it contained.

The New Yorker

One last practical detail: the touchpad is 'multi-gesture', allowing you to leaf through pages in the same manner as of a newspaper and allowing you to zoom with just a touch.

TechCrunch

The problem is in the practical detail: How do we know that there is no functional constraint for query sequences (whether there is convergent evolution or common ancestry)?

Biology Direct

There is probably too much coverage of molecular biology observations which are of no current relevance, and too little on the practical detail of treatment.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a practical detail", ensure it directly relates to the matter at hand and offers tangible value to the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid presenting a trivial point as "a practical detail". Ensure the detail genuinely contributes to the understanding or execution of a task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a practical detail" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an adjective modifying a noun. It serves to highlight the real-world relevance and usefulness of a particular piece of information, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a practical detail" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to emphasize the relevance and utility of specific information. Although Ludwig's examples are limited, the phrase is widely accepted and used in both news and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to use this phrase only when you are referring to something actually valuable and applicable. Consider alternatives such as "a useful element" or "a concrete point" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a useful element

Emphasizes the helpfulness of the detail.

a helpful aspect

Focuses on the supportive nature of the detail.

a concrete point

Highlights the tangibility and specificity of the detail.

a pragmatic consideration

Stresses the practicality and real-world relevance of the detail.

an actionable item

Implies the detail leads to a specific action or task.

a functional component

Highlights the detail's role in a larger system or process.

a working aspect

Focuses on the operational and effective nature of the detail.

a realistic element

Emphasizes the detail's grounding in reality.

an applicable feature

Highlights that feature can be applied to a particular situation.

a viable consideration

Focuses on detail being capable of working successfully.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a practical detail" in a sentence?

Use "a practical detail" to introduce specific, useful information that aids in understanding or implementing a plan or concept. For example: "The budget included "a practical detail" about the allocation of funds for marketing."

What are some alternatives to "a practical detail"?

You can use alternatives like "a useful element", "a concrete point", or "a pragmatic consideration" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a practical detail" in formal writing?

Yes, "a practical detail" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing specific aspects of a plan, strategy, or analysis. It conveys that the detail has real-world implications and is not merely theoretical.

How does "a practical detail" differ from "a theoretical detail"?

"A practical detail" refers to something that can be applied or used in a real-world situation, while "a theoretical detail" relates to abstract concepts or ideas that may not have immediate applications.