but in practical terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but in practical terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a more realistic or applicable perspective on a theoretical or abstract idea. Example: "The theory sounds great on paper, but in practical terms, it may not be feasible for our current situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But in practical terms, it's very difficult.

The New York Times

But in practical terms, it is a nonstarter.

The New York Times

But in practical terms, it's not obvious what that would mean.

The New Yorker

But in practical terms, Cameron's thinking still doesn't really add up.

The Guardian

But in practical terms, that procedure will involve a lot of waiting and seeing.

The New York Times

But in practical terms, the U.S. cannot fight wars without allies".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Davies's freedom of speech is worth defending both in abstract terms – of course – but also in practical terms.

The Guardian

Mr Chrisochoidis welcomed the symbolism of the move but says in practical terms it will be "a drop in the ocean".

The Economist

"They campaigned by appealing to populist slogans, but then in practical terms they've done little to deal with the real needs of people.

The New York Times

We should understand, not only in theoretical but also in practical terms, how we effectuate or prevent changes towards a more sustainable supply of energy and transport fuel.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The French commanders understood that an assault into the German states was essential, not only in terms of war aims, but also in practical terms: the French Directory believed that war should pay for itself, and did not budget for the payment or feeding of its troops.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but in practical terms" to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their real-world applications. This helps to provide a balanced view by acknowledging limitations or challenges that might not be immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "but in practical terms" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "in practice" or "realistically speaking" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in practical terms" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a contrastive conjunction. It introduces a qualification or limitation to a preceding statement, shifting the focus from theoretical or ideal considerations to real-world implications. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate this function clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but in practical terms" is a valuable tool for introducing a realistic perspective into discussions, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as a contrastive conjunction, tempering expectations and offering a pragmatic assessment. While versatile and suitable for various registers, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "in practice" or "realistically speaking" to maintain writing quality. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread usage, making it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in practice

Emphasizes the difference between theory and actual execution.

as a practical matter

Focuses on the pragmatic and functional aspects.

from a practical standpoint

Focuses on the practical aspects and considerations of a situation.

in the real world

Stresses the application or relevance to everyday situations.

on a practical level

Highlights the practical implications and consequences.

in reality

Focuses on actual circumstances rather than theoretical possibilities.

realistically speaking

Introduces a more realistic or pragmatic perspective.

in concrete terms

Emphasizes specific and tangible details rather than abstract concepts.

as a matter of fact

Highlights the truth or reality of a situation, often contrasting with expectations.

for all intents and purposes

Indicates that something is effectively true, even if not officially so.

FAQs

How can I use "but in practical terms" in a sentence?

Use "but in practical terms" to contrast a theoretical idea with its real-world application. For example, "The plan sounds good on paper, but in practical terms, it may be difficult to implement."

What phrases are similar to "but in practical terms"?

You can use alternatives like "in practice", "realistically speaking", or "as a practical matter" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "but in practical terms"?

It's appropriate to use "but in practical terms" when you want to introduce a realistic perspective after discussing a theoretical or idealistic concept. It helps to highlight potential challenges or limitations.

Is "but in practical terms" formal or informal?

"But in practical terms" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it is often found in analytical or explanatory contexts.