a practical matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a practical matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is based on practical considerations or real-world implications rather than theoretical or abstract ideas. Example: "While the theory behind the project is interesting, we need to focus on a practical matter: how to implement it effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A Practical Matter Q.

The New York Times

Rove sees winning as a practical matter.

The New York Times

But as a practical matter the reverse may be true.

The New York Times

As a practical matter, Maryland cannot execute anyone now.

The New York Times

But as a practical matter, it is not so easy.

The New York Times

As a practical matter, however, America isn't doing much better.

The New York Times

What it was like, as a practical matter, was stinky.

The New Yorker

As a practical matter, secession seems a nonstarter.

The New York Times

A. As a practical matter, it will be decisive.

The New York Times

But as a practical matter, it belongs to Bill Gates.

The New York Times

"But as a practical matter that simply wasn't doable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a practical matter", ensure that the context clearly contrasts practical considerations with theoretical or idealistic ones. For example, "While the philosophical implications are fascinating, as "a practical matter", we need to consider the budget."

Common error

Avoid using "a practical matter" to introduce statements that are self-evidently practical. For example, saying "As "a practical matter", we need to ensure the equipment is plugged in" is redundant; the practicality is already implicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a practical matter" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence by introducing a consideration based on real-world implications. Ludwig's examples showcase its use to emphasize the pragmatic aspects of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a practical matter" is a frequently used phrase to highlight real-world considerations over abstract or theoretical ones. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While versatile, it's best used to introduce concrete and actionable elements within a discussion. Alternatives such as ""a realistic concern"" or ""a pragmatic issue"" may offer nuanced emphasis, but the core meaning remains focused on practicality. The most common contexts of use are News & Media, science and Formal & Business.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of practicality

Rephrases the original phrase by highlighting the importance of practicality.

a realistic concern

Shifts the focus to a concern grounded in reality.

a pragmatic issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", emphasizing a problem-solving approach.

a question of feasibility

Highlights the aspect of whether something is possible to do.

a tangible consideration

Emphasizes the concrete and measurable aspects of the matter.

a real-world implication

Focuses specifically on the consequences in a real setting.

a logistical challenge

Highlights the challenges related to organization and implementation.

a working proposition

Implies that something is functional and ready to be put to use.

a functional requirement

Highlights the necessity of a feature to fulfill a need.

a substantive point

Emphasizes that the matter is important and has significant implications.

FAQs

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

You can use "a practical matter" to introduce a point that is based on real-world considerations, such as, "As "a practical matter", we need to consider the budget constraints."

What phrases can I use instead of "a practical matter"?

You can use alternatives like "a realistic concern", "a pragmatic issue", or "a question of feasibility" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a practical matter" and "a theoretical concern"?

"A practical matter" relates to real-world considerations and implementation, while "a theoretical concern" deals with abstract or hypothetical issues.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a practical matter"?

The phrase "a practical matter" is most appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the importance of real-world considerations over abstract or idealistic notions. It often appears in discussions about planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.