a practical force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a practical force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an influential or effective element that has tangible, real-world applications or impacts. Example: "The new policy is expected to be a practical force in improving workplace safety standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As a community and as a practical force for good, MIT is a quintessential expression of America at its best: Bold, optimistic and focused on inventing the future.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We need to reclaim the public, not merely as an idea but as a practical force and material relation to space – before everything that used to belong, at least in part, to us belongs entirely to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

But analysts argue that integration into the European Union and the privatizations of the last 20 years have left France a different place, where Colbertism is more a rhetorical habit than a practical force.

The New York Times

Yet, as Mr Bundy observes, "the historian is bound to gulp in disbelief: in the whole range of Nixon's writings there is hardly a favourable reference to human rights either as an ideal or as a practical force in international affairs".Mr Kissinger receives handsome praise for his shuttle negotiations between Israel and Egypt and his moves during the Jordanian crisis of 1970.

The Economist

If you want great examples, read Mr. Leslie Stephen's History of English Thought in the Eighteenth Century, and see how a hundred years after his death the abstract speculations of Descartes had become a practical force controlling the conduct of men.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Because, if what is needed is systemic change, design is a highly practical force as well as a driver of innovation.

The Guardian

Harewood's innate sympathy for the arts developed into a powerful practical force.

The Guardian - Music

Practical force Heapy is neither a management consultant nor an economist.

The Guardian

The demonstrator successfully generated a practical propulsive force, which could be applied for the systems of unmanned underwater vehicles.

Ocean Engineering

We cannot as a practical matter force people to read different things than what they choose to read; nor should we wish to.

Harvard University

The Roman idea of property was revived on the Continent as an intellectual matter before it came to have much practical force.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a practical force", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the tangible impact or real-world application being described. For example, instead of saying "Technology is a practical force", specify: "Technology is a practical force in streamlining business operations".

Common error

Avoid using "a practical force" in contexts where the actual effect or application is vague or undefined. Ensure that the impact is measurable and directly linked to the subject being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a practical force" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It describes an entity or concept that possesses real-world effectiveness and influence, as shown in Ludwig examples, where MIT is described as "a practical force for good".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a practical force" is a phrase used to describe something with a tangible and effective impact in the real world. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While considered "Rare" in terms of frequency, its use is appropriate in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly demonstrates the real-world application and impact being described, and avoid overgeneralizing its effect. Alternatives such as "an effective influence" or "a pragmatic influence" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pragmatic influence

Substitutes "practical" with "pragmatic", keeping the focus on usefulness and real-world considerations.

an effective influence

Replaces "force" with "influence", softening the impact while retaining the sense of effectiveness.

a viable agent

Emphasizes capability and effectiveness in achieving a particular result.

a solid influence

Conveys a sense of reliability and effectiveness.

a real-world asset

Shifts from abstract "force" to concrete "asset", highlighting tangible value.

an operative factor

Focuses on the functional and influential nature.

a functional driver

Replaces "force" with "driver", emphasizing its role in propelling something forward.

a useful mechanism

Replaces 'force' with 'mechanism', implying a structured and purposeful effect.

a working element

Focuses on the active and operational aspect of the phrase.

a valuable instrument

Highlights the usefulness and importance of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "a practical force" in a sentence?

You can use "a practical force" to describe something that has a tangible and effective impact in a real-world scenario. For instance, "Education can be a practical force for social change."

What are some alternatives to using "a practical force"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an effective influence", "a real-world asset", or "a pragmatic influence".

Is it correct to say "a practical force"?

Yes, "a practical force" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something that has a real and effective impact.

What distinguishes "a practical force" from "a theoretical concept"?

"A practical force" refers to something with real-world applications and tangible effects, while "a theoretical concept" is an idea that may not have been tested or proven in practice. The former is action-oriented; the latter, idea-oriented.