as is practicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as is practicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or measures that should be taken to the extent that it is feasible or possible. Example: "We will implement the changes as is practicable to ensure minimal disruption to our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

We will reach a decision in this case as soon as is practicable".

The Guardian

He would withdraw American troops from Iraq as fast as is practicable.

The Economist

President Obama has said he wants to sell the government's stakes in the two companies as soon as is practicable.

The New York Times

"They were ordered to proceed as soon as is practicable," said Ken Solomon, the chief executive of the Tennis Channel.

The New York Times - Sports

It found that an alien is not an "outlaw" and that the inister must make a decision, one way or the other, "as soon as is practicable".

The Guardian

"Obviously things need to be done better so that kids can be taken out of this situation as quickly as is practicable," Marles said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

One top civil servant says he was told simply to privatise the railways "as soon as was practicable" and to make the process irreversible before the next election.

The Economist

Ireland now witnessed a bloody and protracted tussle between two governments – the UK and an Irish Republican "counter-state" – each of which pretended to be the legitimate authority for the whole island, and attempted to govern as much of it as was practicable.

The Guardian - Books

The available technology of the 1790s made it impracticable to use these definitions as the basis of the kilogram and the metre, so prototypes that represented these quantities insofar as was practicable were manufactured.

Wikipedia

Known synonyms (for example as referenced in the Catalogue of Life and Australian Faunal Directory) and variant spellings were also reconciled so far as was practicable to reduce multiple counting.

Plosone

We analysed data as soon as was practicable after we had collected them so as to feed emerging findings into the next phase of fieldwork.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as is practicable", be specific about what factors might limit the practicality of an action. This provides clarity and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "as is practicable" when the action is clearly impossible or highly unlikely. This can undermine your credibility and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as is practicable" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the extent to which an action can or should be carried out. It suggests a conditional approach, where implementation depends on feasibility. Ludwig AI shows many examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as is practicable" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that an action should be carried out to the extent that it is feasible and reasonable, often under certain constraints. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's vital to clarify what makes an action "practicable" in your specific context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity. Consider using alternatives such as "to the extent feasible" or "as far as possible" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, using "as is practicable" effectively balances ambition with realistic limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the extent feasible

Emphasizes the possibility and reasonableness of achieving something under given conditions; prioritizes feasibility.

as far as possible

Highlights the limit of one's ability to accomplish something, focusing on maximum effort within constraints.

wherever viable

Implies that something should be done only when it is capable of working successfully.

to the degree achievable

Concentrates on reaching a certain standard or goal depending on the circumstances.

as much as achievable

Focuses on the degree that can be attained, considering different restrictions and capabilities.

as reasonably achievable

Adds a component of reasonableness or justification to the extent that something can be done.

within reasonable limits

Highlights the existence of certain boundaries and indicates actions should stay inside them.

to a practical extent

Focuses on the useful and realistic degree to which an action or idea can be put into effect.

as realistically possible

Emphasizes the need for realism while attempting to achieve something to the highest degree.

to the best of one's capabilities

Stresses making the most of individual or collective skills and resources in accomplishing a task.

FAQs

How can I use "as is practicable" in a sentence?

Use "as is practicable" to indicate that an action should be taken to the extent that it is feasible or possible under the given circumstances. For example, "We will implement the changes "as is practicable" to minimize disruption."

What are some alternatives to "as is practicable"?

Alternatives to "as is practicable" include "to the extent feasible", "as far as possible", or "to the degree achievable". Each alternative emphasizes the consideration of limitations and feasibility.

When is it appropriate to use "as is practicable"?

It is appropriate to use "as is practicable" in formal or legal contexts where you want to convey that an action should be taken but only to the extent that it is reasonable and possible. This phrase is commonly used in policies, guidelines, and regulations.

What does "as is practicable" imply about the action being discussed?

The phrase "as is practicable" implies that there may be obstacles or limitations that could prevent the action from being carried out fully. It indicates a need for flexibility and consideration of circumstances when determining the scope and extent of the action.