a practical thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a practical thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is useful or functional in a specific context. Example: "In our discussion about the project, we need to focus on a practical thing that can help us achieve our goals efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It's a practical thing.

The New York Times

It is not a practical thing to do".

The New York Times - Arts

For most of us, membership is a practical thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I therefore do not consider it a practical thing to do.

The New York Times - Science

"I don't think that's a practical thing to expect of unpaid volunteers.

The New York Times

It's a practical thing – they have to sail back to shore.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"It was a very practical thing in that the theatre needed a conductor.

The Guardian - Books

That would be a very practical thing.

The New Yorker

It's very intelligent and resolved as a physical, practical thing".

The New York Times - Magazine

"In 1883, the horse show was a very practical thing, fire horses, police horses, driving competitions, hackney horses, coach horses.

The New York Times - Sports

But who uses the most bandwidth and when is a more practical thing to investigate, as knowing that could prevent congestion at peak hours and so on.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a practical thing", ensure the context clearly defines what makes it practical. Be specific about the benefits or advantages it offers.

Common error

Avoid using "a practical thing" without clarifying what aspects make it practical. For example, instead of saying "Investing in renewable energy is a practical thing", specify "Investing in renewable energy is a practical thing because it reduces long-term energy costs and promotes environmental sustainability."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a practical thing" functions as a noun phrase. It generally acts as a subject complement or object, describing something deemed useful or realistic. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where the phrase appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a practical thing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is useful and realistic. It appears frequently in news and media, as validated by Ludwig AI. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what makes it practical. Consider alternatives like "a pragmatic approach" or "a feasible solution" to add nuance to your writing. Avoid overuse without providing specific context to maintain clarity and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pragmatic approach

Emphasizes a focus on real-world solutions and practicality.

a feasible solution

Highlights the achievability and workability of a proposed answer.

a viable option

Stresses the potential for success and sustainability of a choice.

a realistic measure

Focuses on actions that are grounded in reality and likely to be effective.

a sensible idea

Highlights the logical and reasonable nature of a concept.

a workable method

Emphasizes the ability of a process to be put into practice and achieve results.

a useful strategy

Focuses on the helpfulness and effectiveness of a plan.

an effective means

Highlights the capability of something to produce a desired result.

a functional item

Emphasizes the usability and purposefulness of an object.

a down-to-earth matter

Refers to something straightforward and without unnecessary complications.

FAQs

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

You can use "a practical thing" to describe something useful or functional in a specific context. For example, "Implementing this new software is "a practical thing" for improving our team's efficiency".

What are some alternatives to saying "a practical thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a pragmatic approach", "a feasible solution", or "a viable option".

Is it better to say "practical thing" or "practical solution"?

The choice depends on the specific context. "Practical thing" is more general, while "practical solution" specifically refers to a solution that is effective and achievable. For example, you would say "a first-aid kit is "a practical thing" to have" but "a quick bandage application is "a practical solution" to a small cut".

What does it mean to describe something as "a practical thing"?

When something is described as "a practical thing", it means it is useful, functional, and effective in addressing a specific need or achieving a particular goal. It implies that the item or action is sensible and realistic in its application.