a pragmatic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pragmatic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that is practical and focused on results rather than theories or ideals. Example: "In our discussions, we need a pragmatic approach to solve the issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's a pragmatic businessman.

The New Yorker

It is a pragmatic necessity.

The New York Times

Braun made a pragmatic choice.

The New York Times - Sports

Cisco takes a pragmatic approach.

The Economist

Uruguay made a pragmatic choice.

Independent

"It's a pragmatic decision".

The New York Times

It also serves a pragmatic purpose.

The New York Times

"It's a pragmatic solution," he said.

The New Yorker

That argues for a pragmatic approach.

The Economist

Sturm had a pragmatic cast of mind.

The New Yorker

He ran Vermont as a pragmatic centrist.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pragmatic" to describe solutions, approaches, or individuals known for their ability to get things done efficiently.

Common error

Avoid using "a pragmatic" as a generic compliment. Ensure the context specifically highlights the practical and results-oriented nature of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pragmatic" primarily functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes the noun as being practical, realistic, and focused on achieving concrete results rather than abstract theories. Ludwig shows that the phrase is often used to describe people, decisions, or approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academic

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pragmatic" is a widely used and grammatically sound adjective phrase that signifies a focus on practicality and effectiveness. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to describe something that is realistic and results-oriented. It finds frequent application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, while maintaining a neutral register. When composing content, remember to use it when highlighting the practical nature of a subject, and it's important to avoid overuse without context. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a practical

Emphasizes usefulness and direct application.

a realistic

Focuses on aligning with reality and feasibility.

a sensible

Highlights sound judgment and reason.

an effective

Stresses the capability of achieving a desired result.

a down-to-earth

Implies simplicity and lack of pretension, focusing on practical matters.

a matter-of-fact

Conveys objectivity and focus on concrete details.

a businesslike

Suggests efficiency and focus on achieving goals, typical in professional contexts.

an action-oriented

Highlights a focus on taking action and implementing solutions.

a results-driven

Focuses on achieving specific outcomes and measurable results.

a functional

Emphasizes utility and the ability to perform a specific function effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "a pragmatic" in a sentence?

You can use "a pragmatic" to describe a person, decision, or approach that is focused on practical considerations and achieving results. For example, "He took "a pragmatic approach" to solving the problem".

What are some alternatives to "a pragmatic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a practical", "a realistic", or "a sensible".

Is it better to be "a pragmatic" or idealistic?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on the situation. Being "a pragmatic" emphasizes practical solutions, while being idealistic focuses on principles and values. Both perspectives have their strengths and weaknesses.

What's the difference between "a pragmatic" and "a realistic"?

While both terms relate to practicality, "a pragmatic" emphasizes effectiveness and achieving results, whereas "a realistic" focuses on aligning with actual possibilities and constraints.