but in practice

USAGE SUMMARY

"but in practice" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is the case despite the theory, expectations, or assumptions. For example: Organizations often strive for gender equality, but in practice, there is still a pay gap between male and female employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But in practice, intolerance remains.

The Economist

But in practice few apply.

The Economist

But in practice?

The Guardian

But in practice this does not happen.

The Economist

But in practice federal paternalism continued.

The Economist

But in practice every moment is unpredictable.

The New York Times

But in practice frontier law is feeble.

The Economist

But in practice this rarely happens.

The New Yorker

But in practice this does not matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in practice, officers are often distracted.

The New York Times - Science

But in practice, it's not good".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the statement following "but in practice" is supported by evidence or a clear explanation to maintain credibility and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "but in practice" as a standalone statement without providing the initial theoretical or ideal scenario. Always establish the 'theory' before contrasting it with the practical reality to ensure clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in practice" functions as a contrastive conjunction, connecting an initial statement of theory or intention with a contrasting statement of reality. Ludwig AI confirms its use in presenting practical limitations or deviations from expected outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but in practice" serves as a crucial tool for injecting realism into discussions by contrasting theoretical concepts with actual outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. With a neutral register and frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "but in practice" is suitable for various contexts. To maximize clarity, always ensure the theoretical context is established before using this phrase to introduce the contrasting reality. By avoiding overuse and providing supportive evidence, writers can effectively use "but in practice" to offer balanced and nuanced perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reality

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb emphasizing the actual situation.

in actuality

Similar to "in reality", focusing on the true state of affairs.

however, in reality

Adds a transitional word for emphasis and flow.

the reality is

Shifts the focus to stating the true situation directly.

in the real world

Emphasizes that the practice differs from theoretical scenarios.

as a matter of fact

Introduces a statement that contrasts with a previous assumption.

the truth is

Highlights the actual situation, often contrasting with a misconception.

what actually happens is

Focuses on the practical outcome as opposed to expectations.

contrary to expectations

Highlights the difference between the predicted and actual result.

despite appearances

Suggests that the situation is not as it seems on the surface.

FAQs

How can I use "but in practice" in a sentence?

You can use "but in practice" to contrast a theory or expectation with reality. For example, "The policy seemed effective on paper, but in practice, it had several flaws".

What are some alternatives to "but in practice"?

Alternatives include "in reality", "in actuality", or "however, in reality", which all serve to highlight the difference between theory and practical application.

Is there a difference between "but in practice" and "in theory"?

"In theory" describes what should happen under ideal conditions, while "but in practice" points out that real-world outcomes often differ from those theoretical expectations.

When is it appropriate to use "but in practice" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "but in practice" when you want to introduce a contrasting viewpoint based on actual experiences or observations, especially after presenting a theoretical concept or plan. Doing so adds a layer of realism to your discussion.